https://dataintheclassroom.noaa.gov/content/el-nino
Atziri Ibanez, Kate Thompson, Kenneth Casey, NOAA Ocean Data Education (NODE) Project
The entire sequence of activities takes nine 45-minute class periods but can be shortened when only doing part of the sequence. Computer access is necessary.
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Topics
Climate Literacy
This Activity builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.
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Excellence in Environmental Education Guidelines
Other materials addressing:
C) Collecting information.
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A) Processes that shape the Earth.
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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy |
Technical Details
Teaching Tips
- Most current El Niño information and data is available at http://www.elnino.noaa.gov/.
- Many terms used in this activity are likely unfamiliar or poorly defined in mind of students. A good glossary can be found here: http://amsglossary.allenpress.com/glossary.
- This resource is aligned with Ocean Literacy principles.
About the Content
- NOAA remote sensing data from the 1990s is used in the activities. The "get data" link in the activity provides data up to 2006.
- The educator's guide provides good background information and excellent references.
- Comment from scientist: Also aside from the statistical concepts of normal and extreme very little new scientific content is presented, such as "Why does El Niño occur?," "Where can I find out more?" Additional information can be found on the PMEL ENSO pages http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tao/elnino/nino-home.html.
About the Pedagogy
- A carefully constructed series of 5 activities that can be entered at different levels depending on background knowledge and experience of the students.
- Students or educators who are not tech-savvy or comfortable manipulating data may have a hard time with these activities.
- Students may find the resource more engaging if more recent data is used.
- The vocabulary is relatively advanced, and a glossary is included.
- The educator guide is thoughtfully designed and easy to follow.
- Younger students will need support to complete activities.
- This resource engages students in using scientific data.
See other data-rich activities