Shaping Climate-Conscious Future Leaders

The Climate Engineering Teaching Module

Climate change and climate engineering are big topics among scientists today. With this in mind, teachers are looking to bring more climate education into their classrooms. Knowles Senior Fellow, Kirstin Milks has done just that with her Climate Engineering lesson.

This lesson was developed by Kirstin, Ben Kravitz, an assistant professor of earth and atmospheric science at Indiana University, and Paul Paul Goddard, an assistant research scientist at Indiana University. It introduces students to the basics of Climate Engineering and then lets them develop their own interesting and wild ideas to slow climate change. Kirstin’s lesson has even been featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and published in “The Hoosier Teacher” for their lesson on Climate Change and Climate Engineering.

Kirstin’s class is not the only one getting these lessons. To educate the next generation about emerging climate technologies, the Climate Engineering Teaching Module (CETM) has been introduced in fifteen Indiana high schools over the past three years. Aligned with Indiana state science standards, the CETM provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific, ethical, political, and economic aspects of climate engineering.

By engaging students in critical discussions and hands-on activities, the CETM helps them grasp the complexities of climate engineering and consider its potential trade-offs. This innovative module prepares students for future debates on climate solutions and empowers them to make informed decisions as future citizens and leaders. Through the CETM, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenges of climate change and contribute to the development of responsible and effective climate strategies