Brianne teaches high school science in Arizona, where she consistently frames her units around real-world problems. In each unit, students begin by investigating phenomena and end by exploring possible responses. Across units, Brianne’s classroom creates space for students to envision and take meaningful actions grounded in sustainability and civic engagement.

In another unit about heat and the greenhouse effect, students learned how CO₂ traps heat and were then prompted to consider the impact on Arctic systems and their own local context. Students used this knowledge to create models and predictions and considered what adaptation or mitigation efforts might look like in their community.

Brianne also mentioned work connected to the Agrovoltaic project and described how students worked with community partners to explore sustainability solutions involving food and energy systems. She ensured students not only engaged in research and modeling but also contributed their ideas in decision-making spaces, affirming that “their ideas can change the world.”