On January 31, 2008, millions of students will engage in activities focused on global warming solutions as part of Focus the Nation’s National Teach-In.  The 2008 National Teach-In:  Global Warming Solutions for America is not just for  k-12 teachers and students, but it includes higher education, civic groups, businesses, faith organizations, homeschool families, etc.  “Focus the Nation is a catalyzing force helping shift the national conversation about global warming towards a determination to face this civilizational challenge.”

Focus the Nation explains,

A teach-in is a day when an entire school turns its attention to a single issue—when faculty, students and staff put aside business as usual, and focus the full weight of campus engagement on one topic.

A sample Teach-In model on global warming solutions is available here.   The sessions are lead by regular staff, who are not necessarily experts on the topic.  In the model, the day begins with a bike/carpool contest.  Suggested sessions include:

• OBSTACLES TO CHANGE
• CLIMATE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
•  FOOD AND THE FUTURE
• WHAT ABOUT CHINA?
• LIFE WITHOUT POLAR BEARS?
•  NOAH: LESSONS FOR A CENTURY OF EXTINCTION?
• MOTIVATING ACTION
• CLIMATE SOLUTIONS AND THE POOR
• “PEAK OIL” AND THE END OF SUBURBIA

Different suggested models exist for each level of education and for different groups.  There are many resources available, and groups may adjust the model to fit their needs.  There is also a free, live, interactive webcast Wednesday, January 30th called The 2% Solution.   The name refers to the idea that:

To hold global warming to the low end of 3-4 degrees F will require cuts in global warming pollution in the developed countries by more than 80% below current levels by 2050. Put another way, we need to cut roughly 2% of current emission levels a year for the next forty years.

Even if you cannot participate in the Teach-In, the webcast offers another method of participation.  You can sign up for the National Teach-In on global warming solutions here.  Contact your child’s teachers and principal, and let them know you want your child to be included in the National Teach-In:  Global Warming Solutions for America.