Bilingual Climate Workshops at Hopkins High School

On April 11, 2025, ZIRAN co-founders Jing and Grace delivered full-day bilingual environmental workshops at Hopkins High School, reaching approximately 70 students across three of Teacher Xu Qian’s Chinese classes. Each 90-minute session was conducted in both Chinese and English, combining environmental education with language immersion to support the school’s curriculum and deepen student engagement.

Through in-depth discussions, interactive activities, and a game-show-style quiz, students explored the causes and consequences of climate change, along with practical steps they could take to promote sustainability in their homes, schools, and communities.

Three class cohorts participated: two Chinese immersion classes (grades 9 and 10) made up of students who have studied Chinese since kindergarten, and one world language class with students newer to the language. For the immersion students, most of the session was conducted in Chinese, with English used as needed to introduce new or advanced environmental concepts.

The workshop also sparked meaningful student contributions. One student, Eli, shared how his family reduces waste through backyard composting, thrifting, minimizing new purchases, organizing specialty recycling at their church, and helping establish a community victory garden. His story inspired peers and teachers alike, showing how everyday actions can lead to real environmental impact.

Jing and Grace emphasized the power of small, consistent climate actions—such as starting organic recycling at home, helping sort waste in the cafeteria, or simply finishing lunch instead of tossing uneaten food. They also encouraged students to connect their personal interests and talents—whether in art, tech, science, or writing—to environmental problem-solving. The workshop aimed not only to inform, but to empower students to see themselves as changemakers.

Despite being the only Chinese teacher at the high school, Xu Laoshi teaches more than 100 students and brings tireless enthusiasm to her classroom. Her close relationships with students were evident throughout the day. After class, in the hallway, a student excitedly shared a funny video about Nezha’s master’s hairstyle—an inside joke from when the class watched the Chinese film Nezha entirely in Mandarin.

At the close of each session, students were invited to join the 3rd Annual Twin Cities West Metro Asian Fair on May 31, where ZIRAN will lead sustainability efforts, including event recycling and a Fix-It Clinic. They were encouraged to volunteer as Event Recycling Ambassadors—a hands-on role that allows students to apply what they’ve learned, educate fairgoers, and take part in a vibrant day of cultural celebration.

The workshop received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Students expressed gratitude to Jing and Grace, many of them noting how the workshop helped them see environmental issues through a new lens. The ZIRAN team was deeply encouraged by the students' curiosity and commitment, confident that the seeds of change have been planted—and that this generation will grow into passionate sustainability leaders.

Arriving early with a wagon full of teaching materials, Jing and Grace joined the flow of students heading into school. They spent the entire day co-teaching alongside Teacher Xu Qian, who warmly welcomed them into her vibrant, student-centered classroom. The space radiated creativity and collaboration, with colorful student projects adorning the walls and a strong sense of community woven into the atmosphere.

Hopkins School District offers a robust K–12 Chinese immersion program, and 9th-grade students have the opportunity to take the AP Chinese Language and Culture exam, where Environmental Challenges is one of the six key thematic units. This workshop directly supported the curriculum while connecting language learning to real-world sustainability issues.

The session began with a screening of Unearthed, a thought-provoking short film created by all the students, volunteers and teachers from MinnSea Academy Summer Camp in 2023. The film served as a catalyst for students to reflect on their own environmental impact and share climate actions they’ve taken in their daily lives