Why Planet Bonehead Exists: Transforming Climate Education for K-8

Teaching climate change across K-8 requires the right tools and strategies. Here on Planet Bonehead, we provide teachers with the knowledge, resources, and support to tailor climate education to every grade level—empowering young minds to understand and care for our planet.

Here on Planet Bonehead, we understand that teaching climate change can feel like navigating uncharted territory. You know it’s an important subject—one that sparks curiosity, critical thinking, and responsibility in young minds—but where do you start? How do you simplify complex issues like global warming or pollution for kids without scaring the #$%@ out of them? And perhaps most importantly, how do you keep the topic hopeful and empowering instead of doom-filled?

Planet Bonehead exists to answer these questions. We’re here to give teachers across all K-8 grade levels the knowledge, resources, and support they need to make climate education impactful and engaging for their students.

The Need for Climate Education at Every Grade Level

Research shows that kids of all ages benefit from learning about the environment, but the approach must be tailored to their developmental stages:

Grades K-2: Young learners thrive on simple, engaging introductions to nature, focusing on animals, plants, and their roles in the ecosystem. This is the perfect age to spark curiosity and wonder.

Grades 3-5: At this stage, students begin to grasp cause-and-effect relationships. They’re ready to learn about environmental challenges and small actions they can take to make a difference.

Grades 6-8: Middle schoolers are ready to tackle more complex concepts like renewable energy, climate policy, and global impact. They’re at a critical age where empowerment through solutions can shape their worldview.

No matter the grade, one thing is clear: climate education must be age-appropriate, engaging, and solutions-focused to make a lasting impact.

How Planet Bonehead Helps

Planet Bonehead is built on three pillars: Knowledge, Resources, and Support. These pillars ensure that teachers at every grade level have what they need to succeed in teaching climate change.

Knowledge

You’re probably not a climate scientist, and you shouldn’t have to be one to teach your students effectively. That’s why we created the Teacher Learning Center (TLC). The TLC is an ever-expanding library of courses, articles, and videos designed to deepen your understanding of climate science and teaching strategies. With courses launching in Fall 2024, you’ll gain the tools to confidently tackle myths, explain complex topics, and earn certifications that showcase your expertise.

Resources

Interactive, engaging, and age-appropriate content is essential for teaching kids. Our PBh Units are ready to bring climate science to life in your classroom. These units include videos, lesson plans, and hands-on activities that make learning fun and impactful. The best part? Our foundational “Ocean Plastic Unit” is completely free, giving you a taste of how Planet Bonehead turns environmental challenges into hopeful, solutions-focused lessons.

Support

Teaching climate change can feel isolating, especially when support from administrators or communities isn’t guaranteed. That’s why we’re launching the Planet Symposium in Winter 2025. This virtual event will bring together climate experts and fellow educators for discussions, workshops, and strategies to build a stronger network of climate-conscious teachers.

What’s Next for You?

Whether you’re just starting to explore climate education or looking for ways to level up your classroom experience, Planet Bonehead has something for you. Start by exploring the free Ocean Plastic Unit and see how it sparks curiosity in your students. Or become a founding PBh Blue member for just $3.99/month to access the full library of PBh Units and upcoming TLC courses. As we grow, you’ll grow with us, locking in this rate before prices increase as more content comes online.

Here on Planet Bonehead, we’re not just building an educational resource—we’re building a movement. Together, we can prepare the next generation to care for our planet, solve environmental challenges, and embrace the possibilities of green technology. Join us in transforming climate education, one classroom at a time.