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Teaching Climate Science Principles

Teaching Climate Science Principles

An understanding of Earth's climate system, including the natural and human-created factors that affect it, is vital for communities working to mitigate the impacts of climate change seen today and in the future. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has developed the 7 Essential Principles of Climate Science to provide a framework for teaching the science behind climate change. Check out this learning sequence to support your teaching about climate topics. 

Several states have adopted climate change standards as a required part of their science curriculum (New Jersey, Washington, Colorado). The Colorado Seal of Climate Literacy is awarded to graduating students who demonstrate a mastery of climate science principles and who have completed an experiential learning project. 

How can CEEE help?

We have combined our educator-developed and scientist-reviewed resources from CEEE in a sequence that leaves students inspired and ready to act in their communities. Each sequence features:

  • Real-world phenomenon such as drought, wildfire, and flooding
  • Authentic data provided by CIRES scientists
  • Integrated solutions to inspire 

Explore our resources below! If you have any questions, please email alyse.thurber@colorado.edu.

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Almost dry river running through a mountain valley
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Mountain valley with trees and yellow flowers

Primary Seal

Pathway to Seal of Climate Literacy

The curriculum in these sequences align with NOAA's climate literacy principles and are a great pathway for students to earn a seal of climate literacy by meeting coursework and experiential learning project requirements. Learn more about the Seal of Climate Literacy here.

Upcoming Events

Jun
Tue - Wed
03 - 04
2025
8:00 am MT
Resilient Futures in Rural Colorado Teacher Workshop in Gunnison

Register today to learn about the latest research with scientists and educators who focus on Colorado ecosystems and communities. We will hear from a variety of experts - including Western Slope and NOAA scientists, and educators at CEEE, CLEAN (the Climate Literacy, Energy and Awareness Network) and Science on a Sphere. We will focus on water resources and wildfire risk, with all workshop content tied to the CDE Science Standards and NGSS.

CEEE loog, text reading Resilient Futures Workshop, globe with people outside above the text >
Jun
Wed - Fri
11 - 13
2025
8:00 am MT
Resilient Futures Teacher Workshop

Middle school and high school educators are invited to a three-day in-person teacher workshop. Engage with sessions on education resources, including scientist talks, lab tours, and networking sessions by CEEE, NOAA, and CLEAN. This session will cover topics such as climate science, natural hazards, water resources, climate mental health, data literacy, and more. Graduate credits available.

Resilient Futures Teacher Workshop logo >
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Get involved and stay up-to-date with CIRES CEEE.

CEEE Contact

ceee@colorado.edu
Phone: 303-492-5670
Fax: 303-735-3644

CEEE Mail

CIRES Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation
University of Colorado Boulder
488 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0449

CEEE Office Hours

8:00 am to 5:00 pm MT -- fall and spring semesters