It’s clear that the environment is an issue that young people care about deeply. Are you wishing they were as passionate about school?
They can be – particularly if parents and teachers help them see how learning in the classroom can help them understand climate issues and prepare for green careers.
Thankfully, branches of the United States government have created a wealth of free, fun resources that do exactly that.
For example, NASA has a website called Climate Kids that features kid-friendly interviews with working scientists about their careers. The site also has videos, games, and more, all intended to engage young people in environmental issues and help them think about their own path toward making a difference.
The United State Geological Survey (USGS) has an interactive website section called I Am… that will engage kids looking to a future that makes a difference for the world and the environment. The purpose of the site is to increase familiarity with the wide variety of STEM careers available at USGS and they do it through a fun approach that both kids and parents will appreciate.
There are short videos and coloring pages, plus serious links that describe each career, needed preparation, possible internships, and more. Think careers like climate modeler, ecotoxicologist, and wildlife biologist - to name a few.
Make sure to share these websites with the kids and families in your life. And take a look at the Kids Page of the Carbon Almanac for even more inspiration around climate learning.