Middle School Scientists Take on Climate Change

Sixth grade science students have been engaged in climate change projects offering practical ways they can take action and help the planet.

October 2024 was the second-warmest October on record globally, the perfect time for Science teacher Peg Zerega and History teacher Laura Michalski to lead students in a climate change study using interdisciplinary curriculum that combined history and science.

Students examined global climate change over time, noting the major advancements and scientific breakthroughs that have hastened or slowed the planet’s warming since the 1960s. As a capstone project of this study, students considered ways to help combat climate change based on their unique interests and knowledge they acquired.

Working independently and in groups, students created Venn diagrams with three categories: student skills, personal passions and the Earth’s climate needs. The overlapping area of these categories provided the basis for a wide range of 6th grade climate science projects.

Some projects were informative in nature, such as the student group who researched and shared more about the ecological harm of the fast fashion industry with their Upper School peers. Other projects involved more hands-on learning, like the VR game to help educate peers on environmentally sustainable practices, the specially crafted compost bin to carry around the cafeteria and collect student refuse and a prototype of a solar-powered vehicle. The range of projects reflected the students’ diversity of interests and passions.

Zerega said, “Learning about climate change can feel overwhelming and depressing, and projects like these give students a chance to actively participate in change.”

Enjoy these photos of 6th grade students sharing their climate action projects.