# The Biology of Climate Change: Impacts on Human Health and the Science of Solutions

> **NIH NIH R25** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2024 · $270,000

## Abstract

K-12 students are a critical demographic that need skills to make educated decisions on complex issues
related to climate and health, yet few curricula exist that address the topics at this level. Most current climate
and health curricula were developed for medical training programs in response to a call from trainees.
Introducing climate change and health earlier may prepare students more thoroughly for a range of biomedical
careers. Covering the topic in middle and high school also makes education on this important topic accessible
to the broader population. Science classrooms present the opportunity for students to build climate literacy
through the lens of hope and in-progress solutions, an approach shown to be a motivator in solving problems.
To address the need for materials, the Genetic Science Learning Center (GSLC) at the University of Utah
will use its award-winning expertise to develop four innovative curriculum mini-modules. The modules will
address topics not yet included in textbooks, and emphasize how science is driving real solutions to the
challenges surrounding climate and health. The modules will flexibly integrate with topics teachers already
cover, and support student achievement of standards described in A Framework for K-12 Science
Education. The goals for The Biology of Climate Change: Impacts on Human Health and the Science of
Solutions project are:
 GOAL 1: Engage secondary-level students with climate and health literacy via new curricula so
they can make educated decisions on the many complex issues surrounding climate change and the
risks it presents to human health. Approach: Involve teachers at schools with a majority of students from
groups underrepresented in biomedical research (UBR) in drafting each module, testing lessons with their
students, and refining the materials. Conduct 2 research studies for each mini-module: an RCT comparison
with standard climate change curricula of impacts on students’ beliefs and intentions, and an efficacy study of
the modules’ impact on NGSS-aligned student learning.
 GOAL 2: Educate teachers about the impacts of climate change on health and prepare them to
implement the four new mini-modules via online professional development courses and conference
workshops. Approach: Offer 2 online courses for teachers to prepare them to use the mini-modules, and
present workshops at science teacher conferences, reaching at least 300 teachers across the US.
 The project will take advantage of the GSLC’s award-winning expertise in developing effective interactive
multimedia learning experiences; its published methods for involving teachers in curriculum development; and
its extensive experience in teacher professional development. The modules will be broadly disseminated via
our Learn.Genetics and Teach.Genetics websites, which are used annually by >16 million visitors worldwide.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10893897
- **Project number:** 1R25GM154387-01
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** Kristin Fenker
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $270,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-06-20 → 2029-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10893897

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10893897, The Biology of Climate Change: Impacts on Human Health and the Science of Solutions (1R25GM154387-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10893897. Licensed CC0.

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