Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Climate Change
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Provided by: The Kid Should See This|Published on: March 4, 2026
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This 11-minute video is an episode of Crash Course Native American History, where students will understand how traditional ecological knowledge is being used to fight climate change.
- The video covers a wide range of topics, including the history of controlled burns, environmental justice, connecting the past with the present and potential future, and more.
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, History
Authors: CrashCourse, The Kid Should See This
Region: United States
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The video's host uses humor in their approach that many students will enjoy.
- The video contains an important message about big picture thinking that is vital for discussions about climate change.
Prerequisites
- Teachers should note that there is a mention of suicide at about 5:00.
- Students should have background knowledge on the history of colonialism, racism, and other unjust systems that Indigenous people have faced.
- Some embedded links may be broken.
Differentiation & Implementation
- The video briefly shows Robin Wall Kimmerer, an Indigenous botanist. Students may enjoy hearing her speak about how Indigenous knowledge can complement scientific research in this podcast episode.
- After listening to the list of ways Indigenous communities are using TEK to fight climate change, students can select one initiative mentioned to research further and share with the class.
- Teachers can go more in-depth with the topic of colonization, its impacts on Indigenous communities, and its ties to climate change with this history lesson.
This video discusses how Indigenous people and their culture intersect with climate change. One focus of the video is on how Indigenous people, their knowledge, and traditions are based on centuries of observations and experience living in an area, and how these traditions can help solve environmental problems, such as wildfires and invasive species. The video also discusses how climate change is impacting Indigenous populations with problems such as resource loss and the need to relocate because of environmental changes, especially in the Arctic. The video includes a discussion of environmental justice and the effects of colonization. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
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Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
The Kid Should See This
The Kid Should See This is a Webby award-winning collection of over 7,000 kid-friendly videos, curated for teachers and parents who want to share smarter, more meaningful media in the classroom and at home. Selections are grown-up-friendly, too. And thanks to TKSST members, it’s free and ad-free for everyone. Start conversations, spark questions, and inspire offline exploration for all ages.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
