NEW! U.S. Grid Economics
This Econ/Physics/Social Studies unit explores the creation and organization of the U.S. electrical grid, factors influencing electricity costs, how the cost of renewable energy compares to that of traditional energy, and an introduction to carbon pricing. Carbon pricing materials are informed by CATE Director Christopher R. Knittel and his Distributed Effects of Climate Policy paper as part of the Roosevelt Project at the MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research.
Endangered Languages: Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Meet Environmental Diversity
This English/Language Arts unit is designed to bring awareness to the connection of cultural + linguistic diversity to environmental biodiversity. Background resources and content appropriate activities are included to best introduce climate change in the English language classroom. In a culminating project, students are encouraged to hone both their research & presentation skills as they role play investigative journalists sharing both issues and solutions for protecting the world’s endangered languages.
NEW! Climate, Renewable Energy & Storage
This adapted middle school unit is supported by MIT Day of Climate. Renewable energy is already cost-effective in many parts of the world, and battery storage is key to making renewables reliable. Through this unit students will practice graphing skills with real-world data to make predictions. They will explore the origins, inner-workings and costs of solar, wind, and battery storage as well as electricity pricing.
Cost of Battery Storage Over Time
Develops skills of graphing and data manipulation by exploring the changing cost per watt of Lithium-Ion battery storage. Students examine recently published data on the historical cost of battery storage, and compare the performance of various simple curve fits. They then linearize the data using base-10 logs, which will enable them to make predictions. Finally, students engage with questions that consider economic factors relating to the transition of the world to sustainable energy.
Media Literacy
Despite being “digital natives” students are eager to improve the skills necessary to better understand and analyze the media they consume. This lesson asks students to investigate and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of evidence across various media when discussing the topic of climate change. Can be used in Social Studies, English, Science classes.
Climate Professional Development
The 5th annual in-person workshop will welcome teachers of ALL disciplines. Engage with other educators, the CATE team, and MIT faculty and staff to: -strategize about K-12 climate education -explore CATE curriculum through hands-on activities -learn about current research around climate change, climate policy and more Applications will open April 2026. For more information and to be notified when applications are being accepted, contact cateprogram@mit.edu. Note: these workshops are geared toward a high school educator audience.
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Support CATE!
Are you a foundation or non-profit interested in supporting CATE's expansion and mission? Contact cateprogram@mit.edu.
MIT MAD / WPS Teacher Innovation Fellowship
Seeking passionate educators teaching grades 7–12 who are looking to grow their creative toolbox to become part of the 2026 MIT MAD / WPS Teacher Innovation Fellowship for the upcoming spring term (February to June, 2026). This is a unique opportunity to shape educational materials and contribute to meaningful open source design and making curriculum (see classroom activities from last year here). Working together across schools and content areas, fellows will be joining a vibrant learning community committed to reimagining K12 education. Hands-on design and making activities offer important transferable skills to a wide range of subjects — from math and science to English and history.
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