Civics and Civic Engagement Lessons
These Civics and Civic Engagement Lessons are great for civics, government, political science and social studies classes. They’re also great tools individual learners and...
Overview
Teach with The White House Effect about a pivotal era in US energy and climate policy with global ramifications. It’s a great tool to provide context about historic US policies that got us to the present moment.
Journeys in Film partnered with Far Star Action Fund to create two resources for this important, multi-award winning film:
- A Learning Guide/Discussion and Activity Guide for teachers, for grades 6-12;
- A Community Discussion Guide / Film Guide, for public screenings and community education.
Each section in the guides begins with key events from the film and moves to deeper, more profound questions about leadership, responsibility, and values. The goal is to understand what happened, while considering what it means for people and communities everywhere — and how each of us has a vital role to play in shaping what comes next.
The Discussion and Activity Guide for grades 6-12 also features an activity on the impact of climate change on mental health with a focus on reasons for hope. In addition, it includes a Media Literacy Handout on How to Determine if Information is Accurate.
This is a great film to teach with for Earth Month!
More About the Film
Using exclusively archival material, The White House Effect tells the dramatic origin story of the climate crisis and how a political battle in the George H.W. Bush administration changed the course of history. Three decades ago, the world was poised to stop global warming. As the world prepares for the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, President George H.W. Bush faces mounting pressure to make a decision that will change the course of history—culminating in the U.S. undermining a global agreement to set hard limits on emissions, setting the stage for the increasingly hot, dangerous, and polarized future we all now face.
- Type: Documentary Feature Film
- Lesson Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, College, Adult Learning
- Rating: NR
- Ages: 13–17, 18–24, 25+
Common Sense Media rates this film as appropriate for ages 10+Docu explores historical inaction, climate change effects.- Run time: 60–119 minutes
Where to Watch
Set up a screening for classrooms or community education through The White House Effect website.
The White House Effect is also streaming on Netflix.
Learning Guide
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Part I: Are You Willing to Make Some Sacrifices?
Based on Part 1 of the film
Subject: Civics, Community Service Learning, Economics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Government, Social Studies
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Part II: Which George Bush Am I Looking At?
Based on Part 2 of the Film
Subject: Civics, Economics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Government, Social Studies
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Part III: Is Science for Sale?
Designed to be used with Part 3 of the film
Subject: Civics, Economics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Government, Political Science, Social Studies, U.S. History
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Part IV: What Is Nature Doing to Us?
Corresponds with 20 minutes of Part 3 of the film
Subject: Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Science
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Post-Viewing Reflection
Subject: Civics, Community Service Learning, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Film Literacy
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Exploring the Climate Emotions Map
Subject: Environmental Science, Environmental Studies
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How to Provide Hope
Subject: Civics, Community Service Learning, Current Events, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Government, Health, Social Emotional Learning, Social Studies
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What Now? Turning Awareness into Action
Subject: Civics, Community Service Learning, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Service Learning
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Resources for Teachers
Subject: Environmental Science, Environmental Studies
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How to Determine if Information is Accurate
Subject: Civics, Media Literacy, Social Studies
Guide for Grades 6-12 (Designed to be used with segments of the film)
Community Discussion Guide / Film Guide
Designed for Adult Film Groups and Community Action Groups focused on the environment
This discussion guide presents questions designed to promote productive and engaging conversations about the film.
Part I: Are You Willing to Make Some Sacrifices?
Part II: Which George Bush Am I Looking At?
Part III: Is Science for Sale?
Part IV: What Is Nature Doing to Us?
Going Deeper: Extension Activities
What Now? Turning Awareness into Action
Additional Resources
Download Community Discussion Guide
Preview Community Discussion Guide
Group Discussion Facilitation Guidelines
These tips can help you create safe space for classroom engagement on the themes and subjects of this film.
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