The Science of Climate Change: A Hands-On Course : SEA Books & More

The Science of Climate Change: A Hands-On Course works as a flexible, open-and-go unit that can be integrated into your homeschool in several ways. Each lesson includes a short explanation of a key concept—like greenhouse gases or carbon sinks—followed by a hands-on activity such as a lab, model, graphing exercise, or even a field trip.

You can use it as a standalone unit study over a few weeks, or spread it out by doing one lesson per week as part of a broader earth or environmental science curriculum. It fits easily into project-based or interest-led learning, and because it’s so interactive, it can also double as science, art, and critical thinking work all at once. There’s no set schedule, so families can move at their own pace, repeat activities, or adapt them to different ages.

The ideal learner is a curious, hands-on student in upper elementary or middle school who is ready to explore real science through engaging, interactive activities. This course works especially well for kids who enjoy building models, conducting experiments, graphing data, and asking big questions about how the world works—particularly around nature, climate, and problem-solving.

This course may not be a great fit for learners who prefer passive learning styles or who struggle with multi-step instructions without support. It’s also not ideal for families looking for faith-based science curricula or those who do not want to cover human-caused climate change, as the course is rooted in mainstream scientific consensus and data.

The Science of Climate Change: A Hands-On Course is well-suited for a wide range of learners, including those with special needs, because of its flexible, multisensory design. The hands-on activities support kinesthetic learners, while the clear, step-by-step instructions and visual elements like diagrams and models can help students with ADHD, dyslexia, or executive functioning challenges stay engaged and focused.

For autistic learners or those with sensory sensitivities, the structure of the workbook—predictable formats, defined goals, and minimal text-heavy pages—can be grounding. Many activities can be easily modified: students can draw instead of write, dictate answers, or work with a caregiver as a partner. Because it’s not rigidly scripted, parents can go at the child’s pace, break lessons into smaller chunks, or repeat key concepts as needed.

Ultimately, it’s a curriculum that trusts caregivers to adapt and support the child in front of them—making it a strong choice for inclusive, individualized learning.

There are no formal prerequisites for The Science of Climate Change: A Hands-On Course. It’s designed to be accessible to upper elementary and middle school students with varying levels of science background. Basic reading comprehension and comfort with simple math (like graphing or measuring) are helpful, but the workbook provides clear instructions, templates, and differentiated activities to support a wide range of learners. Curious minds and a willingness to explore are the only real requirements.

Parent or caregiver involvement is supportive but manageable. The course is designed so that adults don’t need a science background to guide it. Caregivers help by gathering materials, reading instructions aloud if needed, and facilitating hands-on activities—like building models or leading simple experiments. Most lessons are self-contained with clear directions, answer keys, and templates, so adults can act more as collaborators or guides than traditional teachers. It’s ideal for homeschooling families who want to learn alongside their children without having to prepare formal lessons.

Treat it like a collaborative exploration, not a textbook. Let your child take the lead—ask their opinions, encourage them to make predictions before experiments, and extend activities with real-world connections (like tracking local weather data or visiting a recycling center). Keep a science journal or photo log of their projects to reflect on what they’ve learned. Most importantly, don’t rush—slow down and let curiosity guide the pace. The more your child feels ownership over the discoveries, the deeper the learning will stick.