School News

MS Speaker

In Social Studies, 6th graders are building on their knowledge of humanity’s relationship to the Earth and exploring ways they can advocate for sustainable solutions to climate change.

Fossil Fuel Museum
Last month, students took a deep dive into the fossil fuel debate. As a culminating activity, they created fossil fuel museum exhibits investigating questions such as How are fossil fuels formed? How has burning fossil fuels changed our atmosphere? And, what alternative forms of energy can we use? Students also had opportunities to create a bonus exhibition exploring topics within the fossil fuel debate such as labor conditions in coal mines, fracking, and defining terms like Extractivism and the Sacrifice Zone.

Virtual Visit with Climate Activist
When Lowell alum and author Solomon Goldstein-Rose '06 joined students online last week to discuss his experience as a climate activist and the real-world challenges of addressing climate change, 6th graders were eager to hear what he had to say. “It was a delight to see students critically analyze Solomon's proposals because it showed their deep interest in working towards solutions,” says Social Studies Teacher Josh Silver.

After serving two years in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, 2017-2019, Solomon began to think more globally about tackling the climate change issue. Working with policymakers, activists, and concerned citizens alike, Solomon noticed climate change efforts often address just one part of the problem of greenhouse gas emissions. But, the need to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources to create electricity accounts for just 25% of overall greenhouse gas emissions. Solomon discussed other solutions he proposes in his book, The 100% Solution: A Plan for Solving Climate Change that address the climate change more holistically.

Solomon recognized that other negative externalities of climate change are just important as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As climate change evolves, he sees a need to tackle insurance policies, the migration of climate change refugees, and rapid development. Solomon encouraged students to look closely at these externalities and learn how to communicate these needs effectively to leaders.
Lowell School is a private PK-8th grade school located in NW Washington, DC. Our mission is to create an inclusive community of lifelong learners in which each individual is valued and respected.