K-2 Inquiry Guide

Chapter 3. How Does Addressing Climate Change Make Us Healthier

This chapter consists of four guided inquiries that start with a provocation and culminate with ideas to take action. 

Contributors: Janice Haines and Nathalie Lauriault 

Video guide for Chapter 3.  How Does Addressing Climate Change Make Us Healthier?  Watch here or in our Youtube Playlist.

Preeti Singh for ArtistsForClimate.org
Art by Preeti Singh for ArtistsForClimate.org

This collection of inquiries explores sensitive material. It explores the connection between climate change and many facets of human health. We have included resources, activities, and information to inform educators of the serious and widespread effects that climate impacts have on physical and mental health across Canada. This inquiry also invites students to reflect and consider their own health in the face of these serious climate changes. We explore how many of the actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions also have the co-benefit of improving our health.

Click on the drop downs below to learn more and access or download the full section. 

Background Information for educators focusing on the mental and physical health risks and impacts of climate change.

Through open-ended discussion probes, thoughtful provocations, and several hands-on activities, this inquiry provides multiple directions for educators to take as human health and climate change are explored side by side.

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Through yoga exercises, observing nature and understanding the importance of keeping our planet earth healthy, students will explore the concepts of health and its benefits.

Resources:

Explore Inquiry 1 

Students will explore idling and its impact on our health. Through games, observations and collection of data, students will educate other students or the community about anti-idling.

Resources:

Explore Inquiry 2 

Students will further explore how climate change impacts water pollution. This will be investigated through observing and analyzing environmental impact. 

Resources: 

Explore Inquiry 3 

Students will further explore how climate change impacts food security. This will be investigated through experiments,observing images of environmental impact  and videos.

Resources:

Explore Inquiry 4 

Chapter 3 Curricular Connections

Curricular connections

Concepts

Science

Living things

Ecosystem

Protection

Habitats

Sustainability

Survival

Change 

Environment

Language

Communication

Retelling

Physical Education and Health

Motor skills

Locomotor

Cooperation

Relationships 

Choice

Self-awareness

The Arts

Creativity innovation

Interpretation

Colour

Space