FSS Challenge: Climate Change in a Multispecies World

What to expect

Wonder what it’s like to tackle climate change challenges in a multispecies world?

Over three immersive days, participants will engage in a hands-on challenge where collaboration, creativity, and insight are essential. Teams will explore the interrelationships between human and non-human species and develop an age-appropriate educational guide for students at the kindergarten, grade school, high school, or undergraduate level. Each group will work together to create a well-researched, visually engaging, and scientifically accurate guide, then present their project to a Consultative Committee for feedback.

The guide must feature the interrelationship of at least two different species in any region of Canada. Guides can include illustrations, maps, photos, graphs, YouTube clips, cartoons, comics, etc., with all information properly sourced (citations, references, bibliography).

As the challenge unfolds, teams will tap into the expertise of professors, graduate students, and environmental professionals. With their guidance, participants will tackle a timely and complex issue, using structured evaluation criteria to refine their solutions. It’s a test of knowledge, creativity, and collaboration under pressure.

Each group will make a 7-minute presentation and receive feedback from the Consultative Committee on the last day. After incorporating the feedback, groups must upload their presentation to Brightspace by Monday, November 17, 2025.

By the end of the event, participants will have completed a polished project, delivered a professional presentation, and gained insights into multispecies perspectives on climate change.

Objectives

• Raise student awareness about climate change

• Discover the impact of climate change on human and non-human species

• Participate in group work

• Develop, present, and upload a group project

Completion and Acknowledgment

This challenge is not a competition. All participants who meet the requirements will receive 1.5 units. Participation is designed to provide experience, skills, and knowledge in research, collaboration, and environmental education.

Dates and schedule

• Friday, 14 November, 6–8:30 p.m.
  Registration, Welcome Address, Workshop

• Saturday, 15 November, 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
  Meet & Greet, Presentations, Working Lunch, Group Work

• Sunday, 16 November, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
  Meet & Greet, Presentations, Working Lunch, Group Work, Consultative Committee Feedback

  Please note that Attendance at all three days is mandatory.

Eligibility

To participate, you must:

• Be enrolled full-time at uOttawa

• Have completed at least 24 units before the start of the winter term

• Be in good standing with your tuition fees

Requirements

Participants are expected to:

• Complete the pre-event survey and assigned readings

• Attend all three days of the event

• Complete a group project (mandatory for a satisfactory grade)

• Submit the group project on Brightspace by Monday, November 17, 2025

• Submit a self-reflection quiz

Additional Details

• Location: Social Sciences Building (FSS)

• Cost: Free

• Languages: English only

• Total Duration: 24.5 hours

• Units: 1.5

  Please be seated before the start of all presentations. Cell phones must be turned off and in your knapsacks throughout each presentation. 

Registration

All participants will receive 1.5 units after meeting the requirements. The registration deadline is 7 November 2025. Spaces are limited , register early! 

Need More Information?

For questions or accessibility needs, contact:

• Professor: Christabelle Sethna ([email protected])

• Coordinator: Zarin Hasan ([email protected])