The Samsø Labs Climate Curriculum
A Solutions-Based Approach to Climate Change
At Samsø Labs, we believe students shouldn’t just learn about climate change—they should lead the way forward. This curriculum gives you the tools to teach younger students how to think critically, take action, and discover their own role in shaping a better future.
Designed around real-world solutions, this interdisciplinary, solutions-based course is hopeful, hands-on, and grounded in science. You’ll guide students through big questions, creative projects, and examples of how we can redesign the systems that shape our world.
As a student leader, you’ll help others:
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Explore what climate change is really about
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Think critically and ask bold questions
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Discover their own interests in climate solutions—from art to engineering
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Build confidence as problem-solvers
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Builds digital and data literacy skills
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Explore climate-related careers
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And while you teach, you’ll keep building your own leadership and communication skills—learning how to adapt lessons, spark discussion, and turn climate knowledge into impact.
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The curriculum is flexible and easy to use in classrooms, clubs, libraries, or informal meetups. It’s built from trusted open-source resources, including MIT, Stanford, and the OER Climate Project, and can be adapted for different ages and learning styles.
Each unit combines climate science, storytelling, and fun, hands-on projects—so students don’t just learn about the crisis.
They learn how to lead solutions
And with your leadership, they’ll see what’s possible.
"We can help children visualize both the problem and the solutions" - Elizabeth Bagley, Ph.D, Managing director at Project Drawdown.
​The Samsø Labs Climate Curriculum includes five flexible units that can be taught in order—or mixed and matched to fit your schedule, audience, or goals. Whether you’re running a full course or leading a single workshop, you can adapt the content to meet your students where they are.
Unit 1: Understanding Climate Change
Build a foundational understanding of climate science and explore how to communicate it with clarity, empathy, and confidence.​
​Topics:
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What Is Climate Change? (The science behind it & how to communicate it)
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Why Do People Disagree About It? (Social, economic, and political influences)
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The Case for Climate Optimism
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Global Climate Goals: What’s Working, What’s Not
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Example Activity: Students fact-check real headlines and create their own “myth-busting” posters to debunk common misconceptions.
Unit 2: The Impacts of Climate Change
Examine how climate change is already affecting natural systems and human communities—and what these changes mean for our shared future.​
​Topics:
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Understanding Climate Impacts
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Extreme Weather, Rising Seas, and Disrupted Ecosystems
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Climate Effects on People, Food, Water & Economies
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Example Activity: Students role-play as climate refugees, scientists, and policymakers navigating a fictional crisis.
Unit 3: Innovation & Adaptation
Discover how communities around the world are adapting to a changing climate and how innovation plays a critical role in building resilience.​
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What Are Climate Solutions?
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How Communities Are Building Resilience
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The Role of Technology & Innovation
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Who Drives Change—Governments, Business, or Individuals?
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The Green Premium: Why Sustainable Isn’t Always Cheap
Example Activity: Students pitch original climate solutions “Shark Tank”-style to a panel of judges.
Unit 4: Decarbonization — The Path to a Cleaner Future
Explore the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions and the strategies different sectors are using to transition toward a low-carbon future.
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Topics:
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Mapping the Major Polluting Sectors
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Decarbonization Across Energy, Food, and Transport
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Scaling Climate Solutions
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Setting and Meeting Climate Goals
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Envisioning a Net-Zero Future
Example Activity: Students create a “Net Zero Plan” for their school or community.
Unit 5: Taking Action —Becoming a Climate Leader
Empower students to translate knowledge into leadership through civic action, communication, and meaningful engagement with their communities.
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Topics:
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Climate Careers: Finding Your Role
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Teaching Others About Climate Solutions
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Understanding Policy and Advocacy
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Civic Action in Schools and Communities
Example Activity: Students design and launch a school-wide climate action campaign.