MIT Climate Action Through Education (CATE)

MIT Climate Action Through Education (CATE) is an MIT initiative that develops climate education programs, curriculum resources, and educator training to help K–12 students understand climate challenges and explore climate solutions.

WHAT MIT CATE DOES

MIT CATE is a leading K–12 climate education resource that supports k-12 students and educators with curriculum, professional development, and tools for teaching climate science and climate solutions. It

  • Develops interdisciplinary climate education curriculum for grades 6–12 across science, mathematics, history/social studies, English/language arts, economics, and other subjects. 
  • Creates standards-aligned, classroom-ready lessons that teachers can integrate into existing courses. 
  • Connects climate change education with real-world solutions, adaptation, mitigation, energy, policy, environmental justice, and systems thinking. 
  • Provides professional development and training workshops for educators on climate curriculum implementation and best practices. 
  • Makes MIT research and resources accessible to K–12 educators and students through curriculum materials, tools, and expert engagement. 
  • Helps students develop climate literacy, critical thinking, media literacy, and problem-solving skills while building a sense of agency to take informed climate action. 
  • Hosts the annual MIT K–12 Climate Action & Education Conference, bringing together educators, students, researchers, and community organizations to share climate education resources and strategies

WHY MIT CATE MATTERS TO YOU

At Earth on Us, we believe that environmental education should be accessible, engaging, and action-oriented. MIT CATE shares that vision by developing high-quality climate curriculum, educator training, and learning resources that help students understand climate challenges and explore real-world solutions. Through interdisciplinary learning that connects science, technology, mathematics, social studies, and language arts, MIT CATE empowers students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become informed environmental leaders and changemakers.

Learning about MIT CATE allows you to:

  • Explore high-quality climate education resources developed with support from MIT educators and researchers.
  • Understand how climate change connects to science, technology, economics, public policy, and environmental justice.
  • Discover engaging classroom lessons and activities that connect learning to real-world challenges.
  • Learn about innovative climate solutions being developed by researchers, communities, and organizations.
  • Build critical thinking, problem-solving, and systems-thinking skills.
  • Gain confidence to take informed action in your school and community.
  • Explore climate topics through multiple subjects and perspectives.
  • Connect with a broader community of educators, students, researchers, and environmental leaders.
  • Develop the knowledge and leadership skills needed to become an effective climate changemaker.
  • Turn environmental awareness into meaningful action through learning, collaboration, and community engagement.

OUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE MIT CATE SPRING 2026 CONFERENCE

Earth on Us shared our Earth on Us Actions curriculum and environmental education initiatives with educators, students, researchers, nonprofit leaders, and community organizations from across the country at the MIT CATE K–12 Climate Action & Education Spring 2026 Conference. Through our presentation and exhibit table, we had the opportunity to discuss how youth-led environmental education can empower students to turn environmental awareness into meaningful action. Throughout the conference, we also attended workshops and presentations focused on climate literacy, interdisciplinary teaching, and innovative approaches to engaging young people in climate solutions. The experience provided valuable opportunities to learn from leading climate educators, exchange ideas with fellow organizations, and build new connections within the climate education community. Participating in the conference reinforced our belief that environmental education should be accessible, engaging, and action-oriented, while helping Earth on Us expand its impact and reach more students, educators, and communities.