By: Srishti Sawant

If you’ve ever felt like climate change is too massive to solve, you’re not alone. But what if I told you that a high school statistics project could be part of the solution? At Innovation Academy, AP Statistics students are working on Project Drawdown, a research-based initiative that identifies and promotes climate solutions to help the world reach “drawdown”—the point when greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere stop rising and start to decline. 

Project Drawdown provides a platform to engage with real climate solutions, offering resources like “Climate Solutions 101” and a database of 100+ strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But this isn’t just another classroom assignment—it’s a project with the potential for real-world impact. 

From the Classroom to the Community 

In groups of three to four, students are designing proposals for sustainable initiatives that could be implemented in our own community. These proposals aren’t just theoretical; they will be pitched to the Fulton County School District for possible adoption. Each group must propose a plan to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and develop a statistical procedure to measure the effectiveness of their solution on a small scale. 

Some teams are exploring ways to cut food waste in school cafeterias, while others are focusing on energy efficiency, transportation, or sustainable landscaping. Regardless of the approach, the goal is the same—using statistics to drive meaningful change. 

Why Project-Based Learning Matters 

What makes Project Drawdown unique is how it applies what we’re learning in school to a real-world problem. Instead of just solving equations, students are using their knowledge of statistics to tackle one of the biggest challenges of our time. 

Mrs. Reid, our AP Statistics teacher, describes this project as a great way to apply statistics while developing problem-solving skills and tackling an important real-world issue. It’s an opportunity to develop practical skills—like data analysis, critical thinking, and persuasive communication—while working on a project that could directly impact our community. 

The scope of the project is also manageable yet impactful. Climate change is a huge issue, but by focusing on local, data-driven solutions, students are creating proposals that are both achievable and meaningful. 

The Power of Data-Driven Solutions 

One of the biggest takeaways from this project is that statistics is more than just numbers—it’s a tool for change. Policymakers, businesses, and environmental organizations all rely on data to determine the most effective ways to reduce emissions, allocate resources, and drive sustainability efforts. 

By applying statistical methods to environmental challenges, AP Statistics students aren’t just learning—they’re actively contributing to solutions. With the possibility of their ideas being implemented in Fulton County, this project goes beyond the classroom, proving that high school students can play a role in shaping a more sustainable future. 

Who knew a high school statistics project could help fight climate change? 

For more information, check out Project Drawdown’s website.