After attending the Climate Initiative Conference last summer, Upper School Science Teacher Mary Churchill returned to campus with a bold vision. “I was inspired to create an action project for our 10th Grade Biology students centered around sea level rise,” she explains. “The Climate Initiative had two powerful goals: empowering future climate leaders and giving young people hope that they can create positive change in their communities. This local action project not only educates students about climate change and sea level rise, but also serves as preparation for the 11th Grade Social Justice curriculum and 12th Grade ROSE service-learning graduation requirement.”
Since the beginning of second semester, Churchill’s biology students have been diving into the scientific causes and effects of sea level rise through real-world case studies. “We examined the Isle De Jean Charles in Louisiana, where about 400 residents, primarily from the Charles Choctaw Nation and United Houma Nation, lost their island home due to rising seas,” Churchill noted. The students then brought their focus closer to home by partnering with the San Rafael Sea Level Rise Collaborative Project led by San Rafael’s Climate Adaptation and Resilience Planner Kate Hagemann.
“Ms. Hagemann shared invaluable resources with our students,” says Churchill, “including videos, graphs, statistics, and a poster series documenting the Canal District’s history, geography, the causes of sea level rise, and adaptation strategies being considered.”
This week marked an exciting milestone as students ventured into the field to explore the Canal District wetlands firsthand through three specialized workshops. Ms. Hagemann led discussions on various adaptation strategies being considered locally, while Kiara Gulati, a GIS data intern from San Rafael City Hall, guided students through a Critical Facilities 3D mapping exercise. Estuary ecologist and school parent Caitlin Crain rounded out the experience with an engaging wetlands ecology workshop. Students rotated through all three stations, gaining deeper insights directly from experts.
“With our field trip now behind us,” Churchill shares, “students will identify another community affected by sea level rise, form research teams, gather supporting data, and develop action plans to address the issue. They’ll present their findings alongside seniors at the ROSE Project Showcase.”
Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring project that is turning our students into tomorrow’s climate problem-solvers!