Children and Climate Change

  • Date: June 15, 2021 - August 15, 2021
  • Location: CCE Tioga and Warren Counties
  • Intern: Aliza Saunders (Aliza's blog)
  • Faculty sponsor: Gary Evans, DEA/Dept. of Human Development
  • Field mentors/supervisors:  Melissa Watkins, CCE Tioga County and John Bowe, CCE Warren County
  • Stipend: $5,000
Group of youth in circle with hands together
Youth participants at the Youth Climate Summit in 2018. Photo by R.J. Anderson.

This project includes data collection, analysis, and developing a report on young children's understanding and emotional responses to climate change based upon, qualitative interviews held via Zoom. Optimistically, we will also begin to work with CCE educators to design curriculum based upon what we learn. This follow-up may happen in the following academic year.

Roles and responsibilities 

The selected student intern will work closely with CCE to identify families and then interview 6-7-year-olds. We are piloting our interview now and expect to be ready with our protocol by June.

Qualifications and previous coursework

This opportunity is available to students in Cornell University's College of Human Ecology.

Qualified candidates should be enrolled in Human Development or Design + Environmental Analysis and have prior research experience working with children.

Learning outcomes 

  • Insights about the translation of research into practice and the role of practice in informing research 
  • How to conduct research, interpret statistical analyses, and execute qualitative data analysis