Abstract for: An Educational Program Design: Environmental Education with Systems Thinking and the World Climate Game Project

Human-induced climate change (cc) is unequivocal and is a big threat to the Earth (IPCC, 2022). However, the general public is less convinced about the humans’ impact on current cc (Ballew et al., 2019a). Therefore, there is an urgent need for effective instructional strategies and educational programs to increase individuals’ understanding of cc and their intention to take sustainable actions (Roman & Busch, 2021). Using systems thinking approach is effective for improving scientific thinking and problem-solving skills for dynamic environmental issues (Porter, 2009; Sweeney & Sterman, 2007) including cc (Ballew et al., 2019b). With this goal, we developed the Environmental Education with Systems Thinking and the World Climate Game project to provide a comprehensive cc education program for middle school students. The project was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and developed by the Systems Thinking Association in Turkey, a research university, and a middle school partnership. Nineteen 8th grade students (13 Female, 6 Male) participated in the program, which was designed in three stages that implemented systems thinking approach. Positive results of the program had led the project team to continue to the second phase of the study with volunteered participants and develop an open online course for teachers.