This resource is comprised of two activities addressing the effects of climate change and the global inequalities that result. Students will learn that it is often the developing countries that emit the least amount of greenhouse gases yet suffer the most.
In the first activity students participate in a simulation to illustrate the population make-up of different continents, the distribution of wealth and the amount of greenhouse gases each continent produces. Through class discussions the students will appreciate that greenhouse gas emissions per capita are not the same.
In the second activity students will learn who are the most vulnerable to climate change. Using role-playing cards (provided) the students will represent youths from different parts of the world. Each card describes the living conditions of the individual they are representing. Statements (provided) describing the wealth and quality of life are read to the class and the students move in a prescribed direction depending on if the statement applies to their person or not.
The two activities in this resource can be used together or independently. It is best suited for the upper elementary or middle school classroom. The topics relate very well to the Social Studies curriculum with the outcomes of interaction with the environment or social justice as well as the Science curriculum outcomes of weather and climate.
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