Addressing student beliefs about climate change while teaching climate science content

Teachers often keep conversations about beliefs out of the classroom when teaching their students about climate science and climate change. But it has become apparent that students, like the general public, don't always separate their beliefs from knowledge and facts, so it might not work to separate educating students with the intent to improve their knowledge on the subject without also addressing beliefs. We're working with several teachers who have decided to include conversations about knowledge versus belief in their science classrooms. These teachers want to find out if bringing up the subject and talking to students about how scientists know what they know, and that scientists don't bring beliefs into their science, will change some students perceptions of climate change. Teachers and students will have conversations about knowledge versus belief in climate science. Teachers will also conduct pre- and post- assessments of their students' knowledge and beliefs about climate science and climate change. Results will be available to share in this session, in addition to anecdotal evidence about successes and challenges in these efforts.