ABSTRACT
Sound environmental education pedagogical strategies stress the authentic use of critical thinking skills to engage in the scientific process of testing hypotheses and disseminating findings. For gifted children to learn about climate change’s impact on their environment, they need to experience nature firsthand, documenting the changes taking place in their local environment, and engaging in global discussions. Climate change is a major topic that could be tailored into curricula that address local issues. Louv commented that many of today’s youth suffer from “nature-deficit disorder,” which negatively influences their understanding of nature and is an obstacle to them solving the environmental problems plaguing our world today. The etiology of “nature-deficit disorder” is brought on in part because young people spend too much time immersed in digital technology. However, digital technology tools can be used to document climate change, identify solutions, and disseminate findings. Technology-rich, digital ecosystems can prepare gifted students to be leaders in reversing the impact of climate change.
