US/LS Students Engage in Learning Initiative for Climate and Sustainability 

Upper School AP Environmental Science recently stepped into Lower School classrooms for a hands-on teaching collaboration centered around the Global Goals, a framework designed to address some of the world’s most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.

The cross-divisional project paired AP Environmental Science students with grade 2 classes in a learning exchange that blended observation and creative curriculum design. Upper School students began by spending time with younger learners, observing classroom dynamics and conducting informal interviews to better understand how grade 2 students think about environmental issues and community responsibility.

Drawing on those insights, the AP students then designed student-centered lessons aligned with both the Global Goals and key concepts from their own coursework. The result was a series of interactive activities that translated complex environmental topics into accessible, age-appropriate learning experiences.

Both Upper and Lower School students worked together to design communities capable of withstanding environmental hazards such as flooding and hurricanes. Other activities challenged students to think critically about waste reduction through recycling competitions that emphasized teamwork and environmental stewardship.