Overview
Are we killing the earth? Are we really in the beginning of a mass extinction? Or is global warming just another of the many overblown scares we’ve faced? This video explores the debate—and lack of debates—over global warming

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Grade level and subjects
• Recommended for grades 6-12
• Subjects: Government and Science / Technology
• Works in Classroom, Hybrid, and Homeschool settings

What students will learn
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
• identify some people who could be considered alarmists;
• list past scares and the consequences we were warned about;
• hypothesize why global warming activists would not show up to debate climatologists who didn’t share their opinions; and
• explain potential positive and negative consequences of believing either side in the climate change debate.

Key concepts and terms covered
Alarmist.

Sample discussion questions
• Why did Greta Thunberg say, “You have stolen my dreams and my childhood”? Have they been stolen or is she exaggerating? How about when she said, “We are in the beginning of a mass extinction”? Does that seem truthful or exaggerated? What about when Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said, “The world is going to end in 12 years if we don’t address climate change.” Do you believe all these statements, or do you think they are exaggerations?
• When people exaggerate, are you more or less likely to believe them? Are exaggerations and scare tactics effective or ineffective? Explain.
• One side says that hurricanes and other storms are getting worse and the other side says that’s not true and that there is no relationship between hurricane activity and the surface temperature of the planet. Who are we supposed to believe? What would convince you that either side is right?
• David Legates said, “Governments like control. Most governments want to keep control, and most governments get bigger and bigger over time.” Is he right? What evidence do you have to support or refute his statement?
• Based on your own observations, does it seem like climate change is a generational issue? If yes, why might that be? If no, does any demographic (segment of the population) seem to be more or less willing to accept the climate change narrative?

What’s in the free teacher’s guide
This printable 13-page Teacher's Guide includes a lesson description, learning objectives, key vocabulary, a fill-in viewing guide with answer key, discussion and analysis questions, and classroom activities.

Standards alignment
Aligned to state standards — use the SITC Standards Tool to match this video to the standards in your state.