The Role of Education
Education, public awareness and training can play important roles in moving humanity towards a more sustainable future. It is interesting to point out that while world leaders and ministers of portfolios such as environment, natural resources, and health look to education as a solution, the education field as a sector does not recognize this responsibility.
-Charles Hopkins, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair at York University
Educators have the opportunity to shape the thinking of the next generation and the Climate Clock is the perfect vehicle to challenge students and catalyze action for generations to come. Currently we are working with San José State University’s Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) program to develop a curriculum around climate change for grades K-12. Training for educators and a skillfully crafted curriculum are the first steps in changing the next generation’s thinking around climate change.
At the university level, the CADRE Laboratory for New Media at San José State University is already teaching artists how to create pieces about, and utilizing, electronic and information-based technologies. We hope to see them create a wide variety of devices that gather and display complex datasets in attractive ways, use sustainable materials or generate their own energy.
Education through a public artwork, especially one that interacts with school groups in a way that is supported by curriculum, leaves a lasting impression. Like a visit to the Tech Museum, a school group visit to the Climate Clock can engage and inform the students, stimulate critical thinking, and encourage some to become artists, technologists or environmentalists. At the very least, their exposure to the Climate Clock will motivate them to question, analyze and evaluate current habits and encourage them to modify their lifestyles to reduce their carbon footprint.