The theme for the 2024-2025 Academic Decathlon is Our Changing Climate. This compelling and highly relevant topic will guide students through an interdisciplinary exploration of environmental science, history, literature, art, and more.
Exploring the "Our Changing Climate" Theme
The Academic Decathlon selects a new overarching curricular theme each year, which serves as the foundation for all seven objective subject areas and the three subjective events. For the 2024-2025 competition season, students will delve into the multifaceted aspects of climate change, from its scientific underpinnings to its historical context and societal impacts.
Participation in the Academic Decathlon encourages a holistic understanding of the theme through various academic disciplines:
- Science: Focusing on the scientific principles of climate change, its causes, effects, and potential solutions.
- Literature: Exploring works that address environmental themes, dystopian futures, or the human relationship with nature.
- Art: Analyzing art pieces that reflect environmental concerns, natural landscapes, or the impact of human activity on the planet.
- Music: Understanding how music can convey environmental messages or be inspired by natural phenomena.
- Social Science: Examining the economic, political, and social dimensions of climate change, including policy, activism, and international cooperation.
- Economics: Studying the economic impacts of climate change, green economies, and sustainable development.
- Mathematics: Applying mathematical concepts to analyze climate data, models, and projections.
Beyond these objective tests, students also engage with the theme in subjective events:
- Speech: Delivering prepared and impromptu speeches related to "Our Changing Climate."
- Interview: Discussing personal interests, goals, and perspectives, potentially linking back to the theme.
- Essay: Writing an essay on a topic within the climate change theme.
The selection of "Our Changing Climate" for the upcoming academic year underscores the importance of environmental literacy and critical thinking about one of the most pressing global challenges. Students will gain valuable knowledge and skills applicable to real-world issues, preparing them to contribute to informed discussions and solutions.
For more information on the Academic Decathlon and its themes, you can visit the United States Academic Decathlon website.
