A Washington Elementary School student presents on water wheels as a zero emission energy source.
Climate Literacy Resolution
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.
Climate Change and Climate Justice Reading Lists
These reading lists, organized by grade level, represent books published recently designed to educate and empower students to be leaders in the climate justice movement.
Upcoming Events
In response to the BUSD Climate Literacy Resolution, the Berkeley Unified School District has been striving to infuse climate change science and advocacy education into every grade level and subject area. To celebrate the launch of this project, there will be several climate change fairs/showcases/marches on several BUSD campuses.
April 20
Berkeley High School’s Climate Showcase
On Thursday, April 20 Berkeley High School will be hosting a Climate Showcase featuring:
- a climate science fair
- presentations from immigrant students about climate change in their countries of origin
- math demonstrations of the impact of angles and shadow on solar panels
- a mending booth (BHS students can repair ripped clothing!)
- bike repair (remind your BHS student to bring in their bike!)
….and much more!
April 21
Thousand Oaks Elementary School Skit
Thousand Oaks Green Team will perform a Cool the Earth skit at combined with actionable items each child can do in the following weeks to support climate resiliency.
Thousand Oaks Elementary School Parade
The Thousand Oaks community and students are invited to participate in an hour-long rally and Climate Parade at 12:35 – 1:35 p.m. around the campus and the surrounding streets.
Oxford Elementary School Parade
Activist Buddies (Ms. Omania’s 5th graders and Ms. Lewis’ Kindergarteners) will organize and lead the school in a Climate Parade.
Sylvia Mendez Elementary School Parade and Play
All Sylvia Mendez students are invited to participate in a youth Climate Parade in which they will make signs and march around campus sharing their sentiments on the importance of acknowledging the climate emergency we are in. Parents and families are invited to participate. At the end of the Climate March, the Green team at Sylvia Mendez will perform an educational play called “A Forest Like No Other” (which they co-wrote, directed, acted, and made costumes and props for) to the students and parents in an in-school assembly on the black top.
April 22 Community Event
Earth Day Climate Faire at Longfellow Middle School:
10 AM – 2 PM – 1st Annual BUSD Climate Literacy Faire at the Longfellow Middle School cafeteria on Ward St. between Sacramento & California. Organized by staff members from Willard, King & Longfellow middle schools, the faire will include: student projects, a plant sale, live music, healthy food, and hands-on activities promoting eco-friendly practices such as growing your own mushrooms, bike repair, clothing repair, and making your own pot and planting a seed in it! Organizations promoting climate resilience and climate justice will be on hand with information about various initiatives and opportunities. We welcome parent & student participation! Please mark your calendar.
Parents, if you are able to help at the April 22 Fair, please sign up for a volunteer task here. Questions? Contact Ellen McClure at ellenmcclure@berkeley.net
Click here to learn more about sustainability at BUSD.