Free PD: Global Climate Change, Earth Systems in my Ahupuaʻa

H​​​ealthy Climate Communities is a nonprofit organization that promotes education on climate change, climate resilience and aloha ʻāina through field trips to its native forestry site and workshops in schools on Oʻahu and online teacher training statewide. The organization’s curriculum targets Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Na Hopena Aʻo with storylines that incorporate climate change. All services are free to schools.

Here are two courses available:

Global Climate Change, Local Impact and Action 

This place-based science course makes climate change relatable to Hawaiʻi students and empowers them to work on solutions. The lessons explore climate science phenomena such as the albedo effect and greenhouse gases, with lessons that teach learners about local impact of climate change and real-world stewardship they can promote in their own schools. Lessons target NGSS standards for 6th and 8th grades, including rise in global temperatures, reflection and absorption of waves, human impacts on the environment, and engineering design. Participants will use and/or adapt these lessons to fit their students. Instructors are open to discussing the adaptation of materials to fit standards for older grade levels.

Course meeting sessions:

• Jul 23, 2026, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Jul 24, 2026,  1 to 4 p.m.
• Nov TBD ZOOM 1 hour
• Feb TBD ZOOM 1 hour
• March 23, 2027, 4 to 6 p.m.

PORTFOLIO DUE DATE: April 1, 2027

Questions? info@healthyclimatecommunities.org

Earth Systems in my Ahupuaʻa 

This place-based science course uses the students’ own ahupuaʻa to explore the 5th grade NGSS standards on earth systems, human impacts on earth systems, and engineering design. A climate change and climate resilience theme ties the lessons together. Related lessons with grade-level standards for social studies and math are also available for optional use. Participants will use and/or adapt these lessons to fit their learners. Class targets 5th-grade standards; instructors are open to discussing adaptation of materials to fit standards for older grade levels.

Course meeting sessions:

• Jul 23, 2026, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Jul 24, 2026, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Nov TBD ZOOM 1 hour
• Feb TBD ZOOM 1 hour
• Mar 22, 2027, 4 to 6 p.m.

PORTFOLIO DUE DATE: April 1, 2027

Questions? info@healthyclimatecommunities.org

Learn more about Healthy Climate Communities