Two Degrees Open Schooling Resource related to SDG 13 for teachers, students, scientists and families

Two Degrees

REAL-PROBLEM

Rising global temperatures threaten catastrophic consequences for people and the environment. If average temperatures increase by more than two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the world will face more frequent and severe storms, floods, droughts, and other climate-related disasters. Students are challenged to consider: What actions can we take now to prevent this future, and what are the trade-offs of different solutions?

FUTURE-ORIENTED SCIENCE ACTION

Two Degrees is a participatory science activity spanning 1–2 lessons plus homework. Students use scientific evidence and reasoning to understand the impact of global warming, examine the consequences of different carbon-reducing actions, and make informed decisions about climate solutions. They apply inquiry skills such as interpreting data, modelling consequences, and communicating arguments.

SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)

13. Climate Action

7. Affordable and Clean Energy

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

CURRICULUM LINKS

Knowledge: Earth science (climate, weather), physics (energy), geography (human-environment interactions)

Skills: Interpret data, model consequences, communicate decisions, evaluate evidence

Working Scientifically: Use models, analyse patterns, examine consequences, make evidence-based decisions

BLUEPRINT CURRICULUM LINKS

Concepts: Climate change, energy, environmental impact, systems thinking

Learning stage: Analyse, Evaluate, Apply

ACTIVITY CONTENTS

Teacher’s guide: Step-by-step facilitation, background science, and assessment guidance

Teaching PowerPoint: Structured lesson flow, discussion prompts, and visuals

Student sheets:

SS1: Effects of >2°C rise (regional impacts)

SS2: Weather map for disaster report

SS3: Weather symbols

SS4: Consequence cards (people, money, environment)

SS5: Action cards (nuclear, vegan, ban cars)

Game board and rules for “A Game of Consequences”

Home task: Researching and reflecting on personal and societal climate actions

Assessment rubric: For knowledge, skills, and science capital

ACTIVITY FLOW

Engage: Students discuss recent extreme weather and the meaning of “two degrees.”They explore how climate change could affect the UK and their own lives by 2050.

Explore: Use data and models to predict when the two-degree threshold will be crossed. Create a disaster weather report using real and modelled effects.

Investigate: Play “A Game of Consequences” to examine the ripple effects of different climate actions (e.g., nuclear energy, going vegan, banning cars) on people, money, and the environment. Analyse positive and negative consequences, using evidence and reasoning.

Communicate: Present group findings and defend choices in a class discussion or “Fishbowl” debate. Write or perform a persuasive piece arguing for the best action to prevent catastrophic warming.

Reflect: Consider how science, evidence, and values inform real-world climate decisions.

FUN PARTICIPATORY SCIENCE

Students work in groups, use interactive games and models, and take on roles (e.g., weather reporters, policymakers).

The activity encourages critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

COMPETENCE-BASED ASSESSMENT

Student and teacher templates assess knowledge, inquiry skills, and science capital.

Students give feedback on their engagement, confidence, and how the activity shaped their science identity and understanding of climate action.

In summary:

The Two Degrees activity immerses students in a real-world climate dilemma, develops critical inquiry and communication skills, and empowers them to evaluate and advocate for climate solutions—directly linking science learning to global citizenship and the SDGs.