Utah: Don't Hide Climate Change From Students!
Utah has altered its curriculum to postpone discussion of climate change until 8th grade, in response to pressure from parents and state school board members. Supporters of the change claim that their decision was not politically motivated, but instead intends to "introduce scientific ideas incrementally."
According to Ogden School District science specialist April Mitchell, students as young as fourth grade are already asking specific questions about climate change. She says, “They hear about it. They see that it’s not snowing in the winter.” She believes that if they're old enough to ask about it, “then they’re old enough to learn about it.”
The new curriculum is relaying information that isn't based in truth. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that 6th graders will learn that the greenhouse effect “maintains Earth’s energy balance and a relatively constant temperature.”
Young students are curious about climate change, and old enough to make lifestyle changes that will support environmental sustainability. The move to change the curriculum to appease parents will not help the environment or encourage learning in the long run. Please sign the petition to urge the Utah Board of Education to teach students the truth about climate change!
We, the undersigned, are concerned that Utah has altered its curriculum to postpone discussion of climate change until 8th grade, in response to pressure from parents and state school board members. Supporters of the change claim that their decision was not politically motivated, but instead intends to "introduce scientific ideas incrementally."
According to Ogden School District science specialist April Mitchell, students as young as fourth grade are already asking specific questions about climate change. She says, “They hear about it. They see that it’s not snowing in the winter.” She believes that if they're old enough to ask about it, “then they’re old enough to learn about it.”
The new curriculum is relaying information that isn't based in truth. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that 6th graders will learn that the greenhouse effect “maintains Earth’s energy balance and a relatively constant temperature.”
Young students are curious about climate change, and we believe they are old enough to make lifestyle changes that will support environmental sustainability. The move to change the curriculum to appease parents will not help the environment or encourage learning in the long run. We respecfully urge you to teach students the truth about climate change. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
