Sarah's background as the granddaughter of coal miners and her connection to science through her parents shaped her love for nature and the environment. However, when she first encountered the term "climate change" as a young girl, she didn't think it would affect her personally. She studied zoology at university and became a science teacher, but her beliefs were influenced by conservative radio shows that claimed climate change was a hoax.
One turning point for Sarah was when she tuned into a non-profit broadcaster that presented the issue of climate change in a different and reasonable way. She started consuming other media and realized how much her social network had changed. She disagreed with the views of her church group and decided to leave them after the 2016 US presidential elections. She went back to teaching and made new friends who shared her beliefs.
Sarah now volunteers with non-partisan groups that advocate for climate solutions and teaches climate change to her teenage students. She admits that admitting she was wrong was difficult, but she believes in setting an example and being understanding towards others who may be going through a similar journey. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with people through shared values and providing a supportive environment for them to change their beliefs.
Recent research shows that there is a growing partisan divide in the US when it comes to climate change, but there is evidence that people are changing their minds. Sarah's story is a testament to the power of education and open-mindedness in addressing climate change skepticism.
Original news source: I thought climate change was a hoax. Now I've changed my mind' (BBC)
π Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– Discussion Circle
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups and give each group a set of discussion questions related to the article. Have the groups take turns discussing the questions and sharing their opinions and insights with the class.
– News Summary
Instructions: Ask students to individually summarize the main points of the article in one paragraph. Then, have them pair up and compare their summaries, discussing any differences or similarities. Finally, have a few students share their summaries with the class.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Create a list of statements related to climate change and ask students to rate their level of agreement or disagreement with each statement on a scale of 1 to 5. After collecting the data, facilitate a class discussion based on the results, allowing students to share their opinions and reasoning.
– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups: one representing the pros of addressing climate change and the other representing the cons. Give each group time to brainstorm arguments and counterarguments. Then, have a debate where each group presents their points and counters the opposing group's arguments.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask students to imagine what the world will be like in 50 years if climate change is not addressed versus if it is successfully addressed. Have them write short paragraphs or create visual representations of their predictions. Then, have a gallery walk where students can view and discuss each other's predictions.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Sarah Ott, a woman from the US, used to believe that climate change was a hoax. She was influenced by her friends at church and a right-wing radio host. However, she has since changed her mind and become an for energy and teaching the science of climate change to teenage students. Sarah's journey was not easy, as she had to leave behind her community and face criticism. But she that the truth and she wanted to make a difference. Sarah's background as the granddaughter of coal miners and her connection to through her parents shaped her love for and the environment. However, when she first encountered the term "climate change" as a young girl, she didn't think it would affect her personally. She studied at university and became a science teacher, but her beliefs were influenced by conservative shows that claimed climate change was a hoax. One turning point for Sarah was when she tuned into a non-profit broadcaster that presented the issue of climate change in a different and reasonable way. She consuming other media and realized how much her social network had changed. She disagreed with the views of her church and decided to leave them after the 2016 US elections. She went back to teaching and made new friends who shared her beliefs. Sarah now volunteers with non-partisan groups that advocate for climate solutions and climate change to her teenage students. She admits that admitting she was wrong was difficult, but she believes in setting an example and being understanding towards others who may be through a similar journey. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with people through shared and providing a supportive environment for them to change their beliefs. research shows that there is a growing partisan divide in the US when it comes to climate change, but there is evidence that people are changing their minds. Sarah's story is a testament to the power of education and open-mindedness in addressing climate change .
π¬ Discussion Questions:
1. What is your opinion on climate change? Do you believe it is a real issue?
2. How would you feel if you discovered that something you strongly believed in turned out to be false?
3. Do you think it is important for educators to teach about climate change? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever had to change your beliefs or opinions? How did it impact you?
5. What do you think is the best way to convince someone who is skeptical about climate change?
6. How do you think Sarah's background as the granddaughter of coal miners influenced her beliefs?
7. Do you think it is difficult to go against the beliefs of your community? Why or why not?
8. What role do you think the media plays in shaping our beliefs and opinions?
9. How would you feel if your friends or family disagreed with your beliefs about climate change?
10. Do you think it is important for people to admit when they are wrong? Why or why not?
11. What do you think are the most effective ways to educate people about climate change?
12. How do you think Sarah's experience as a science teacher influenced her change of beliefs?
13. What do you think is the biggest challenge in addressing climate change skepticism?
14. Have you ever been influenced by the beliefs of others? How did it affect your own opinions?
15. Do you think it is possible to change someone's beliefs about climate change? Why or why not?
Individual Activities
ππ Vocabulary Meanings:
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Words
Meanings
π‘ Multiple Choice Questions:
π΅οΈ True or False Questions:
π Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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