Climate Change Communication Investigation

Lesson Plans

Grades9, 10, 11, 12Science, Civics, English Language Arts, Mathematics

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by Yale Program on Climate Change Communication

Open Resource

What it is

In this activity, students will collect survey data using questions from the Yale Climate Opinion Maps and compare the data results with the local data collected by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.
Students will design a survey, make hypotheses, graph their data, evaluate the accuracy of their data, identify sources of error, and formulate a plan to educate the community about climate change.

Teaching tips

Positives

The Student Page is an extremely well-designed fillable pdf that leads students through the activity in a step-by-step manner.
The questions require students to think critically about the process of surveying and analyzing data.

Additional Prerequisites

Though the Student Page is a fillable pdf, the two blank graphs are not fillable and must be completed on paper.
Students should be familiar with sources of error.

Differentiation

After the activity, students could design a plan to educate the community about an element of climate change. Students could make posters to put in public buildings, record a short audio piece to play on a public radio station, or make an infographic that can be shared digitally.
In small groups, students could share their hypotheses and results and discuss the similarities and differences.
Other resources on this topic include this activity on how to design a survey and write a report on the data, this interactive tool on Americans' opinions on climate change, and this TED video on how to effectively talk about climate change.

From the scientist review

The resource provides students with deep insights into the belief systems and behavioral patterns about climate change in the USA. The scope of the study, method, datasets used for the opinion maps, charts, and other materials are appropriate. This resource is recommended for teaching.

How we review resources

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Hosted on climatecommunication.yale.edu

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At a glance

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: Science, Civics, English Language Arts, Mathematics
Other types: Activity - Classroom, Worksheets, Interactive Media
Format: PDF
Language: English
Location: North America, North America > United States
Provider: Yale Program on Climate Change Communication
Authors: Yale Program on Climate Change Communication
Published: April 27, 2021
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.3 + 10 more

Connecticut Climate Education Hub

Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.3Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks; analyze the specific results based on explanations in the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.7Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.7Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Common Core Math Standards (CCSS.MATH)

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSS.ID.B.6Represent data on two quantitative variables on a scatter plot, and describe how the variables are related.

Connecticut Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

HS-ETS1-1.Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
HS-ETS1-2.Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
HS-ETS1-3.Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.

Core

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards

D2.Civ.10.9-12Analyze the impact and the appropriate roles of personal interests and perspectives on the application of civic virtues, democratic principles, constitutional rights, and human rights.
D2.Civ.12.9-12Analyze how people use and challenge local, state, national, and international laws to address a variety of public issues.
D2.Civ.7.9-12Apply civic virtues and democratic principles when working with others.