Active learning ideas
The science of climate change is built on an understanding of Earth's past and the physical laws governing its atmosphere. Students analyze the 'natural' drivers of climate change, such as Milankovitch cycles and volcanic activity, to provide context for the current 'enhanced' greenhouse effect caused by human activity. They explore how we know about the past through 'proxy data' like ice cores from Antarctica and sediment layers from the ocean floor.
Activity 01
Provide students with data sheets representing different layers of an Antarctic ice core. They must plot CO2 levels against temperature proxies (oxygen isotopes) to see the historical correlation over the last 800,000 years.
How do ice cores provide evidence for past climate variations?
Activity 02
Using containers with and without 'extra' CO2 (from bicarb and vinegar) placed under a heat lamp, students measure the temperature difference over time to visualize how greenhouse gases trap infrared radiation.
What is the difference between the natural and enhanced greenhouse effect?
Activity 03
Present a scenario (e.g., melting Arctic ice). Students individually identify if this is a positive or negative feedback loop, discuss the mechanism with a partner, and then share how it might affect global temperatures.
How do ocean currents influence global climate patterns?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
The hole in the ozone layer is the main cause of global warming.
The ozone hole and global warming are two different issues. Ozone depletion allows more UV in, while the greenhouse effect traps outgoing infrared heat. Peer explanation using a 'light vs. heat' diagram helps students separate these two atmospheric concepts.
Climate has always changed, so the current change is just natural.
While climate does change naturally, the current rate of change is unprecedented in the geological record. Collaborative graphing of 'natural' vs. 'anthropogenic' drivers helps students see that natural cycles alone cannot explain the recent rapid warming.
Methods used in this brief
Impacts of Climate Change on Earth Systems
Students assess the current and projected impacts of climate change on the biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Topics include sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and habitat loss.
8 methodologies
Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
An evaluation of global and local strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate. Students consider the economic, social, and environmental trade-offs.
8 methodologies