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Two Degrees

A planet in crisis. And time is running out

Elementary, Middle

Description

Two Degrees refers to the rise in Earth’s average temperature and the climate changes associated with it. This novel follows four young people as they experience three climate-related disasters: a devastating wildfire, melting sea ice and encounters with polar bears, and a powerful hurricane. Set in different parts of North America, their stories unfold through alternating narratives that are distinct yet interconnected, ultimately demonstrating how climate change affects people and communities around the world.

In California, Akira Kristiansen’s peaceful visit to a treasured grove of Sierra Nevada giant sequoias becomes a desperate race to escape a raging fire. In Churchill, Manitoba, eighth-graders Owen Mackenzie and George Gruyère are attacked and stalked by polar bears as melting sea ice disrupts their environment. Meanwhile, Puerto Rican Florida resident Natalie Torres is caught in a catastrophic storm surge when a Category 5 hurricane strikes Miami.

Although the specific events portrayed are fictional, the author explains in his afterword that they are inspired by real climate-related disasters occurring around the world. Following their near-death experiences, the four young people become committed climate activists, connecting their personal experiences to the larger global challenge of climate change.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This novel brings attention to the increasing impacts of climate change on people, communities and ecosystems. It can serve as a fictional entry point for students to explore real-world Canadian examples of wildfires, flooding, Arctic change, and extreme weather. Students can then connect these issues to their own communities by identifying a local environmental concern they can investigate and take action on. Appropriate for students in grades 5 to 8. Curriculum links to science and social studies

Relevant Curriculum Units

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        • Comprehension: Text comprehension is supported through applying varied strategies and processes, and considering both particular contexts and universal themes
      • Science
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        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
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        • Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world
      • Science
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        • Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time
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        • Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world
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        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Global Issues and Governance: Complex global problems require international cooperation to make difficult choices for the future.
    • Grade 7
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      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time
    • Grade 8
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        • Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world
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        • Step 4Relevant matches
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    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world
      • Social Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Global Issues and Governance: Complex global problems require international cooperation to make difficult choices for the future.
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time
    • Grade 8
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world

Themes Addressed

Air, Atmosphere & Climate (2)

  • Climate Change
  • Weather

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