Climate Literacy

Ellen McClure, Climate Literacy TSA, ellenmcclure@berkeley.net

2020 Bonar Street, Berkeley, CA 94702
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM | 510-644-8727

On November 3, 2021 the Berkeley Unified School District Board of Education unanimously passed the Climate Literacy Resolution, which commits to graduating students who are well versed in climate change science, issues, & solutions and environmental justice as a civil rights issue. Read the full resolution here.

The Climate Literacy Working Group was created in the 2022/23 school year and consists of teachers, staff and community partners. Working group members collaborate to create relevant climate and environmental learning opportunities tied to core subject standards in their grade levels and create resources to share with other staff. The working group celebrates student learning through showcases and community events throughout the year.

• California Department of Education’s Environmental Principles and Concepts
• Teaching Resources for Staff
• Seeds to Solutions: K-12 California based Climate Change and Environmental Justice Curriculum

Elementary

At the elementary level, students learn foundational concepts to understand climate change and human impact on the planet. Teachers and staff in the Climate Literacy Working group integrate new climate curriculum in science instruction, gardening class and in classroom learning through core subjects. Climate literacy lessons are solutions oriented and students often engage in action projects around the theme of stewardship. Student learning is showcased through celebratory events and activities in the spring, including the district’s K-8 Climate Fair.

Middle School

At the middle school level, students participate in interdisciplinary climate literacy projects through participating classes. Subjects include ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, STEM, Makerspace, Art and Gardening. Students deepen their understanding of climate change science and issues and engage in project based learning around climate solutions.  Middle school projects connect to the theme of collaboration.  Projects are showcased at the annual K-8 Climate Fair which includes hands-on activities and presentations from community partners.

High School

At the high school level, students build on their foundational knowledge from K-8 and explore climate solutions and leadership opportunities.  Students learn about climate careers through an annual Green Career Fair.  Participating teachers across small schools and subject areas create climate solutions themed projects. In the spring, 9th grade students participate in a climate conference where students learn about climate change topics in several core subject areas, culminating in a day of climate solutions workshops.

Upcoming Community Events

• Fall Fix-it Fest at Willard Middle School, Saturday October 18, from 1-4pm
• Winter Fix-it Fest, February 28, 2026
• K-8 Climate Fair, April 2026