Developing an Interdisciplinary Climate Solutions ‘Teach-In’ Event Linked to Geography Course Assignments

Keywords: Climate Change, Environmental Education, Geography Education, Interdisciplinary
Session Type: Virtual Poster Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 73

Abstract

Climate change is the most important environmental issue of our time and data from national and international sources underscore the need for immediate action to mitigate future disasters. In addition, climate change is both a physical science and social science issue, which demands a multifaceted, integrated, problem-solving approach. This poster describes how a campus-wide Climate Solutions Teach-In was developed and how course assignments were specifically used to involve undergraduate students in the event. A Teach-In is a general educational forum that focuses on one complex issue through a broad academic scope. Thus, the Climate Solutions Teach-In event included faculty from A-to-Z (literally Aviation to Zoology) with other faculty from Business, Engineering, English, Geography, Sociology, and more. The event was specifically designed to be fast-paced with a 15-minute introductory climatology speech on “Five Essential Facts about Global Climate Change” and a brief description of the need for interdisciplinary Solutions. Undergraduate students developed posters, displays, and activities that were included in the Welcome Reception. Then three rounds of three simultaneous panel sessions were held for one-half hour each, providing a total of 9 panels comprised of 3-4 faculty, each from different departments. They gave 5-minute introductions to their expertise and how it was related to climate change solutions, and the remaining time was open for discussion and questions. Overall, this event drew students and faculty from across campus, who came together for the interdisciplinary Climate Solutions Teach-In.