VAN HORNE — What happens when wildfires rage, hurricanes intensify, or droughts force people to make difficult choices? In 7th grade Social Studies, students are diving into these questions as they explore how human-environment interactions have shaped history—and continue to shape our world today.

At the heart of this unit is our compelling question: How have human-environment interactions shaped history? To bring this learning to life, students are reading Two Degrees by Alan Gratz. Through powerful stories set in North America, students examine how real people, especially young people, are affected by environmental challenges. The novel serves as a bridge between history and today’s world, helping students analyze social, political, and economic factors that influence how people respond to global issues like climate change.

Students collaborate regularly, engaging in thoughtful discussions, questioning different perspectives, and making connections between past events and present-day challenges. They investigate how views on environmental issues have evolved over time and explore the many causes and effects behind today’s global concerns. Students learn about current difference makers throughout the world that are working to make real change happen daily.

By the end of the unit, students will not only understand the link between people, history, and the environment—they’ll be better prepared to think critically, communicate respectfully, and see themselves as informed global citizens.