Fostering science-to-civics literacy through the development and assessment of a sea-level rise curriculum

Coastal communities are at risk to current and future sea-level rise (SLR) impacts, such as increased erosion and more frequent high tide flooding. In the northern Gulf, these impacts are exacerbated due to a confluence of socioeconomic issues, making it harder to plan for and adapt to changing conditions. To break through barriers to action, education of coastal residents and youth about future impacts must be undertaken. We worked with a team of researchers and educators to develop a four-module curriculum addressing sea-level rise impacts and community solutions. Module content was informed using the most recent advancements in coastal and estuarine research by collaborating with researchers active in those fields. The curriculum was launched to educators through professional development workshops and tested in classrooms to adaptively incorporate feedback into the final product. The process to collaborate with educators and researchers led to the successful development of a useable and useful curriculum. Students engaged in the curriculum indicated doing more sustainable actions and demonstrated knowledge gains. Educators who participated in trainings and/or testing the curriculum indicated they were more confident teaching SLR-related concepts and also demonstrated knowledge gains. The curriculum can be used widely, and the process can be replicated for other curriculum development in different regions. •Researcher and educator collaboration was essential for curriculum development.•Translation of coastal processes research reached unengaged student audiences.•Sea-level rise curriculum enhanced educators' knowledge.•Sea-level rise curriculum led to positive student behavior change.