Active learning ideas
The final topic in the curriculum focuses on the human response to climate change. Students evaluate mitigation strategies, efforts to reduce the sources or enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases, and adaptation strategies, adjustments to live with the changes that are already occurring. They explore technologies like carbon capture and storage, renewable energy transitions, and 'blue carbon' restoration in coastal mangroves.
Activity 01
Teams argue for different primary mitigation strategies: rapid renewable rollout, nuclear energy (within the Australian context), or heavy investment in carbon capture technology. They must use data on cost, speed, and reliability to support their case.
What are the most effective strategies for reducing carbon emissions?
Activity 02
Students take the role of a 'Council Sustainability Officer' for a specific Australian region (e.g., a farming town or a coastal city). They must create a 5-point adaptation plan to address a specific threat like drought or sea-level rise.
How can coastal communities adapt to rising sea levels?
Activity 03
Students reflect on the impact of individual actions (e.g., diet, transport) versus systemic changes (e.g., government policy, industrial shifts). They discuss with a partner which is more effective and share their conclusion with the class.
What role do international agreements play in combating climate change?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Mitigation and adaptation are the same thing.
Mitigation is 'stopping the cause' (e.g., solar panels), while adaptation is 'dealing with the effect' (e.g., building sea walls). Using a 'leaky tap' analogy, fixing the tap (mitigation) vs. mopping the floor (adaptation), helps students distinguish between the two approaches.
We have to choose between the economy and the environment.
Many climate solutions, like renewable energy, are now cheaper than fossil fuels and create new jobs. Peer discussion of 'green industries' helps students see that sustainable practices can drive economic growth rather than just being a cost.
Methods used in this brief
The Science of Climate Change
This topic covers the natural and anthropogenic drivers of climate change. Students analyse historical climate data, ice cores, and the enhanced greenhouse effect.
8 methodologies
Impacts of Climate Change on Earth Systems
Students assess the current and projected impacts of climate change on the biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Topics include sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and habitat loss.
8 methodologies