Sandra Makielski

Makielski’s innovative teaching idea, “Podcasts for Change,” focuses on teaching Davisville Middle School seventh-grade students about the impacts of climate change, particularly as it relates to Antarctica. Students have the opportunity to learn how the choices made involving Antarctica will impact their lives in Rhode Island. Through hands-on learning and low-tech science experiments in the classroom, students will compile data about the importance and impact of climate change on the unique continent of Antarctica and Rhode Island. Upon researching multiple attributes relating to the continent, students will pull together content to create a two- to three-minute podcast to share with a wider audience. By studying about global water challenges, the climate of Antarctica, ice melt, and other factors impacting climate change at a global and local level, students will demonstrate the importance and impact of climate change on the unique continent of Antarctica and Rhode Island. Two hundred students will benefit from the opportunity to practice and internalize a way to engage with their peers in a positive experience.