Shaw-IAU Workshops by the OAE

Astronomy helps us understand planetary systems and it provides a big-picture perspective of ourselves as Earthlings. We can teach climate change through topics such as the greenhouse effect; however, understanding the science alone is not enough. We must empower students with solutions and help them use their voices and take action. I will provide concrete examples of how we have done this in West Virginia, a coal state in the USA, through efforts such as a book club, podcast, field trip, and ongoing teacher training. I also invit participants to join “Astronomers for Planet Earth,” a grassroots international effort by astronomers across the world to unite and speak up about climate change with the message that, “There is no Planet B.”

About Kathryn Williamson

Kathryn Williamson is a half-time Teaching Associate Professor at West Virginia University and a half-time independent Astronomy Education Consultant. She has used astronomy to engage in climate change teaching, learning, and outreach since 2016, and she is currently co-chair of the Astronomers for Planet Earth Web Resources working group. Her interests span the intersections of astronomy, climate change, community engagement, nature and art.

Watch a recording of this talk (external link)