This learning activity takes four to six 60 minute class periods.
Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»
See how this Activity supports the Next Generation Science Standards»
Grade Level
Regional Focus
Online Readiness
Topics
Climate Literacy
This Activity builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.
Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.
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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy |
Technical Details
Teaching Tips
- Depending on the class and time available, it may be helpful for teachers to look through activities and choose a few rather than teach this entire unit. Certain activities, such as the "Evolution of climate modeling" can be omitted or truncated for the sake of time without losing any conceptual material. Consider using the videos and resources from this section only if you are short on time.
- Different classes will need different levels of support when it comes to understanding the concepts and tools presented.
About the Content
- This unit provides a scientifically accurate and well-designed introduction to climate modeling. The video game analogy may not be analogous to the evolution of climate modeling, but it will help students to understand how far technology has advanced. Teachers may want to spend some time discussing the difference between climate modeling and video game design so that students understand that while video games are a good analogy, climate modeling involves different tools.
- All related resources are from reputable sources like NOAA and NASA, and all primary resources are clearly cited at the conclusion of the module. The objectives of this lesson are primarily conceptual in nature and do not focus explicitly on data analysis or mathematical modeling.
- Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
About the Pedagogy
- This lesson plan is constructed to meet several NGSS core ideas and includes both teacher and student goals that are repeatedly addressed throughout the modules.
- Students will use a mix of class discussion, videos, observation, primary resources, graphing and interpreting graphs. This variety may appeal to a variety of students learning styles. Most activities are discussion-based and no formal rubric is provided.
- Students will need to have a foundational understanding of climate change, the carbon and water cycle to fully engage in the lesson material.
- This lesson uses analogies and real-world examples to explain how models are refined over time depending on the amount and quality of data and technology available. These examples are highly accessible to a classroom audience.
- This resource engages students in using scientific data.
See other data-rich activities
Technical Details/Ease of Use
- A teacher account must be created to access lesson materials. All associated resource materials are accessible through Google Drive, and the lesson plan includes embedded hyperlinks for easy access to related content.
- This resource is technically sound but involves multiple tools and resources. Teachers will need to spend some time working through everything beforehand to ensure they're ready to offer the lessons to students.
