150 Students Research Climate Solutions and Take the Stage at Jackson Middle School

Project Summary

Michelle’s 150 sixth-grade students at Jackson Middle School in Illinois dove deep into one aspect of climate change each, researched both the short and long-term dimensions of their chosen topic, developed a solution, and created a research poster that they presented to their own class and other science classes in the building.

Detailed Story

Michelle teaches science at Jackson Middle School in Villa Park, Illinois, where she challenged approximately 150 students to move beyond general climate awareness and take ownership of a specific climate issue. Students began by studying the current scientific evidence for climate change and its dangers, then each chose one aspect to investigate in depth. From there, they examined the short and long-term dimensions of their chosen problem, identified what makes it worse, and developed a list of potential solutions before selecting one remedy to champion. The final product was a research poster communicating both the problem and the proposed solution, which students then presented to their own class and to other science classes in the building. Michelle noted that students were initially overwhelmed by the scope of the task, but once they narrowed their focus, they made strong progress. The project was supported by a detailed student-facing slide deck laying out the assignment framework, topic options across plastic bags, clothing, plastics, and waste, and a self-assessment rubric. One student captured the spirit of the work well: “I appreciate being part of the solution to this global problem that is everyone’s problem.” The project was also featured on the Jackson school website.

Impact Statement

150 students researched specific climate challenges, developed solution-oriented thinking, and practiced science communication by presenting their findings to peers across the building. The project built both climate literacy and public speaking skills.