CLEAN Teleconference Call December 4th, 2018
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Randy Russell - Climate Simulations
Abstract: Student understanding of scientific modeling is a major emphasis in the NGSS, which includes an explicit mention of modeling as one of the 8 Science and Engineering Practices. Scientific modeling is inherently a core element of the scientific study of climate, especially relevant to predictions of future climate during times of rapid global change. Teaching about modeling in the context of climate, therefore, provides a great opportunity to naturally and authentically integrate NGSS practices into a vitally important content topic. Educational simulations, both computer-based and hands-on, provide an opportunity for students to experience "running" models (as scientists do!), not merely "learning about" models and modeling. I'll demonstrate several science education simulations, both computer-based and hands-on, relevant to climate and Earth science topics. Some were developed by our group at UCAR, but I'll also highlight a few from other sources. Specific topics include the Very Simple Climate Model, a couple of simulations about paleoclimate/dendrochronology/tree rings, a board-game-like model of the greenhouse effect and Earth's atmosphere, a couple different of "choose energy sources and influence climate" simulations, Virtual Ballooning to learn atmosphere layers, and possibly a couple of activities about computers and modeling.
Bio: Randy Russell develops educational simulations, games, classroom activities, and web-based content articles at the UCAR Center for Science Education (SciEd.ucar.edu). UCAR SciEd is the K-12 education and public outreach program at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), a major climate, weather, and atmospheric science research lab in Boulder, Colorado. Randy has been at UCAR for 15 years, where he also conducts professional development workshops and webinars for science teachers. Prior to coming to UCAR, Randy worked for TERC, Michigan State's Virtual University, and at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. He has a PhD in education from Michigan State University, a MS in aerospace engineering from U. Maryland, and a BS in astrophysics from Michigan State.
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