The+Carbon+Emissions+Reduction+Action+Project+of+Chicago+Public+Schools+-++Findings+and+projections+of+a+two-year+service-learning+initiative

**The Carbon Emissions Reduction Action Project of Chicago Public Schools:** **Findings and projections of a two-year service-learning initiative**

 Catherine Lindskog, Service Learning Specialist, Chicago Public Schools [ cmlindskog@gmail.com ]



** Keywords ** : Climate change, carbon emissions, student outcomes, k-12 students,

** Track ** : Student development and learning

** Format ** : Team presentation


 * Date & time: **Friday 2:00-3:10


 * Location: **Salon 6

** Summary ** : Climate change is having a profound global impact. Young people need to learn about the impact on the environment and what they can do now and in the future to address the problem. Conceptual Framework: The Carbon Emissions Reduction Action Project (CERAP) is a ten-week global warming and climate change curriculum designed to educate 5 - 12 students about issues of climate change, have them audit the carbon emissions in their school, and empower them to generate action projects to reduce carbon emissions.

Our research seeks to determine if a service-learning project that addresses climate change and is rooted in science classrooms can increase knowledge of climate change and its impact, and influence a sense of awareness and agency among middle and high school students. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were conducted among participating Chicago Public schools to measure academic, attitudinal, and behavioral changes as a result of the project’s implementation.

Overall, we saw improvements in knowledge for almost all of the survey questions. The questions with the most significant increase in correct responses measure important elements and facts about climate change, and thus reflect a positive change in measures of knowledge. Through both quantitative and qualitative measures, we also saw important growth in awareness and efficacy. By participating in CERAP, schools engaged more deeply and richly in the life of the community (both local and global) by working to reduce both individual and school carbon foot prints. CERAP aims to enhance teaching skills, promote environmental awareness, and encourage career development opportunities.

** References ** : Facing the Future: []

**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Please click here to access a PDF of this page: ** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">[|Catherine Lindskog_The Carbon Emissions Reduction Action Project of Chicago Public Schools- Findings and Projections of a Two-Year Service-Learning Initiative.pdf]

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