Free Climate Change Lesson Plans for Grades 6–12
This collection brings together more than 140 free, standards-aligned climate change lesson plans, simulations, webinars, and current events resources for grades 6–12. Curated by educators at Share My Lesson and the American Federation of Teachers, it covers the full arc of climate education — from the science of climate change to policy, justice, and student-led action.
Find climate education resources for elementary students here.
What's Inside
Resources are organized into seven topic areas, moving students from foundational understanding to real-world engagement:
- Climate science: causes and evidence — the greenhouse effect, fossil fuels, carbon cycles, and the data behind climate change
- Climate impacts: extreme weather and natural disasters — wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, heat waves, and how climate change intensifies them
- Climate justice and environmental equity — who bears the greatest burden of climate change and why
- Biodiversity, ecosystems, and endangered species — effects on wildlife, habitats, and food systems
- Climate solutions and sustainable action — renewable energy, green technology, sustainable food systems, and community-level action
- Climate policy and civic engagement — the Paris Agreement, SDGs, government action, simulations, and debate activities
- Student climate action and advocacy — youth movements, public speaking, and tools for student changemakers
Built for Middle and High School Classrooms
These resources work across subject areas — science, social studies, ELA, and more. Many align to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and are ready to use with minimal prep. Whether you're building a multi-week unit or adding a single lesson, you'll find flexible materials for every grade from 6 through 12.
Climate change education is most powerful when students can connect science to real consequences and real solutions — and feel equipped to act. That's exactly what this collection is built to do.
