Development of a Virtual Summer Youth Program in Climate Change Resiliency

Abstract

Climate change is a timely topic and offers an overarching theme that can include a variety of STEM disciplines and technologies. In response to the pandemic, we developed and implemented an online science-based summer youth program in Climate Change Resiliency (CCR) for 11th and 12th graders in July 2020. Two sessions differing in content level and delivery were offered. The first session (S1) provided students with an introduction to the issues and scientific fields related to CCR. The second session (S2) explored CCR issues in more depth and utilized specific case studies to deliver content. Optional online informational and social activities were also offered including: UF admissions and financial aid panels;UF student life panels, climate change organization panels, and virtual game nights and socials. Overall program satisfaction was positive, with 97 percent of S1 and 81 percent of S2 participants reporting they were somewhat or extremely satisfied with the CCR program. Approximately 83 and 85 percent of S1 and S2, respectively thought the program's approach to teaching and learning was very or extremely effective. Future recommendations to improve the program include increasing synchronous face-to-face instruction time and participant-led learning opportunities.