Byrd Polar Research Center Climate Model Simulation
http://bprc.osu.edu/resources/model_simulator/swf/
http://bprc.osu.edu/resources/model_simulator/swf/
Byrd Polar Research Center, Ohio State University
The animations of figures in the simulation seem to target middle school audiences, but the content may be more relevant to high school and undergraduate students.
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Topics
Grade Level
Climate Literacy
About Teaching Climate Literacy
2a 
2aEarth’s climate is influenced by interactions involving the Sun, ocean, atmosphere, clouds, ice, land, and life. Climate varies by region as a result of local differences in these interactions.
Other materials addressing 2a
The interconnectedness of Earth’s systems means that a significant change in any one component of the climate system can influence the equilibrium of the entire Earth system. Positive feedback loops can amplify these effects and trigger abrupt changes in the climate system. These complex interactions may result in climate change that is more rapid and on a larger scale than projected by current climate models.
Other materials addressing 2f
Observations, experiments, and theory are used to construct and refine computer models that represent the climate system and make predictions about its future behavior. Results from these models lead to better understanding of the linkages between the atmosphere-ocean system and climate conditions and inspire more observations and experiments. Over time, this iterative process will result in more reliable projections of future climate conditions.
Other materials addressing 5c
Scientists have conducted extensive research on the fundamental characteristics of the climate system and their understanding will continue to improve. Current climate change projections are reliable enough to help humans evaluate potential decisions and actions in response to climate change.
Other materials addressing 5e
Benchmarks for Science Literacy
Learn more about the Benchmarks
Scientific investigations usually involve the collection of relevant data, the use of logical reasoning, and the application of imagination in devising hypotheses and explanations to make sense of the collected data.
Computer modeling explores the logical consequences of a set of instructions and a set of data. The instructions and data input of a computer model try to represent the real world so the computer can show what would actually happen. In this way, computers assist people in making decisions by simulating the consequences of different possible decisions.
Computers have greatly improved the power and use of mathematical models by performing computations that are very long, very complicated, or repetitive. Therefore, computers can reveal the consequences of applying complex rules or of changing the rules. The graphic capabilities of computers make them useful in the design and simulated testing of devices and structures and in the simulation of complicated processes.
Notes From Our Reviewers
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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy |
Technical Details
Teaching Tips
- Teachers should be aware that the content is at the high school and undergraduate level but the presentation design is more appropriate for middle school.
- Have students ignore the Hurricane Ike section.
- Teachers can choose content from the right-hand menu that meets their teaching needs.
- The spoken text is displayed as captions at the bottom of visualization.
- Visualization can be used as a collection or series of lessons on systems and models
About the Science
- This interactive simulation/animation on Earth system science and climate models is produced by the Byrd Polar Research Center and the Technology Enhanced Learning and Research Center at Ohio State University.
- The use of analogies, such as bathtubs to convey the idea of hydrologic and atmospheric reservoirs, and other easy-to-understand concepts make this a strong introduction to modeling in general and climate models in particular.
- Comments from expert scientist: Comprehensive introduction to the concept of models in general and to climate models in particular. Some of the slides would be suitable for young pupils or the general public, while on others complex physical fornulas are introduced and are targeted at more advanced students.
About the Pedagogy
- Accessible to many different audiences.
- This entire interactive simulation could potentially be used as a mini course for undergraduates on the use of models to understand environmental systems.
Technical Details/Ease of Use
- Most of the sections of the resource can be used independently with ease.
- The content is provided through a computer-generated animated character in a classroom setting. The character "lectures" through a series of learning units that include interactive activities to aid a learner in developing an understanding of Earth systems and climate models.
- The final section, focusing on changing weather dynamics during Hurricane Ike, has some inconsistencies that may confuse some learners and is the least relevant part of the resource for understanding climate models.
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