The Science of Sustaining Life on Earth

We are living in a time when the effects of climate change are becoming more evident, and it is easy to feel lost in a sea of ominous information. But scientists and activists of all kinds have been tackling environmental issues through environmental engineering, land conservation, sustainability, and renewable energy technology, to name a few.

In this class, we will first learn some chemistry and history related to climate change. We will then explore what kinds of climate change research is happening locally in New England, such as the MIT Climate Portal and the BU Campus Climate Lab.

We will then conduct our own research through hands-on activities such as making art to understand how watersheds work and modeling the role of carbon dioxide in ocean acidification with household items. Finally, we will discuss climate solutions, focusing on meaningful ways that each one of us can contribute to sustaining the land, air, and water that sustains us. If there is time, we might even discuss some local art and literature that touches on topics of sustainability, restoration, and conservation.