Primary School Students Negotiate Climate Change as a Current Socioscientific Issue

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Published: Apr 18, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/codiste.9855
Keywords:
climate change primary education socioscientific issues
Athanasia Kokolaki
University of Crete
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4819-7669
Emily Michailidi
University of Crete
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1094-9407
Abstract

Climate change (CC) constitutes a contemporary socioscientific issue (SSI) that calls for action to address and adapt to its impacts. However, teaching CC as an SSI remains limited, especially in primary education. The aim of the study is to explore the measures proposed by primary school students regarding CC, as well as the nature of the dilemmas that emerge through their suggested measures. Eleven fifth-grade students participated in the study. In particular, the students became familiar with key aspects of climate change, engaged in activities designed to cultivate relevant competencies, and proposed measures and reflections on the issues discussed. Data was collected through students’ worksheets and artefacts. The findings indicate that the proposed measures mainly concern broader environmental issues while the dilemmas expressed are primarily related to personal habits.

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