As the leading independent expert in weather and climate, the Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) believes that every student should leave school with basic climate literacy. We believe this would enable individuals to engage with the messages put forward by the media or politicians or to make informed decisions about their own opportunities and responsibilities when it comes to climate change mitigation and adaptation. It would also equip them with the knowledge and skills required for the green jobs of the future. 

As part of this climate literacy initiative, RMetS has teamed up with Maths Week Scotland and Dr Frost Learning to produce a Climate Calculations Challenge competition which will run throughout September, through Maths Week Scotland (23 – 29 Sept), culminating in a winners’ announcement at the end of October.  

Climate Calculation Challenge 

Maths is at the centre of all things science, and climate change is no different. 

The Climate Calculations Challenge requires students to explore the broad topic of climate change and the many possible links it has to mathematics by writing their own maths problems and questions, suitable in skill and style to the National 4/5. 

This challenge is split into two parts: 1) writing questions and 2) peer reviewing questions from another group/class. 

The Climate Calculations Challenge Timeline 

For the best question in each topic, a voucher will be awarded (£5 Amazon vouchers for each student, up to £15 maximum for a group).  

RMetS Climate Change Concept Association Tool 

Participants are encouraged to use RMetS’ new Climate Change Concept Association Tool to help navigate the complex web of climate change topics. This interactive tool brings together more than three hundred climate change concepts in an engaging illustration of how they are linked.  

RMetS’ Climate Change Concept Association Tool  

Since its release, the tool has been popular with curriculum developers and teachers, enabling them to explore the breadth and depth of concepts which are covered by the term ‘climate change’—as well as the links between them.  

Science communicators too have found the tool a useful aid in delivering compelling narratives about climate change. By enabling communicators to identify linkages in a wide range of climate topics, the tool helps to promote greater public understanding of climate change and its multifaceted nature. 

Learn more about the Climate Calculations Challenge at Maths Week Scotland here

Stay tuned for the winners’ announcement, which will take place at the end of October.