Ocean Chemistry, Ocean Acidification, and Oyster Growth

Ocean Chemistry, Ocean Acidification, and Oyster Growth Classroom/Laboratory Activity A classroom/laboratory activity to learn about the pH of ocean water, explore the potential effects of climate change on ocean acidification, and understand the possible impacts of ocean acidification on marine organisms such as oysters. Students will explore and analyze the relationship between the growth of […]

Climate Change and Bird Migration

Climate Change and Bird Migration Audio This short audio podcast discusses shifts in bird migration patterns due to climate change. It discusses bird species native to Wisconsin and changes in their migratory patterns. About Tool Tool Name Bird populations shift north as climate changes Discipline Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences Topic(s) in Discipline Bird Migration Climate […]

Climate Change and the American Pika

Climate Change and the American Pika Video A video that explains the impact of climate change on the habitat and population of a species (specifically, the American Pika) and explores whether this species could be used as an indicator of climate change. Students will learn about climate-related factors that are important for the survival of […]

Climate Change & Phenological Events in Plants and Animals

Climate Change & Phenological Events in Plants and Animals Teaching Module A set of resources to understand the link between periodic life-cycle events in plants and animals (such as flowering, leaf-out, and migration), and climate change. Students will work on a range of activities–learn about phenology, investigate phenological events, and analyze the link between climate […]

Climate Change and Leaf-out in Plants

Climate Change and Leaf-out in Plants Classroom/Laboratory Activity A classroom/laboratory activity to explore the possible role of climate-related environmental factors in the timing of leaf-out in plants (specifically, red maple leaf-out in New England). In this activity, students will create graphs by using data for the timing of red maple leaf-out in New England. They […]

Survival Skills-Response of Organisms to Climate Change

Survival Skills-Response of Organisms to Climate Change Classroom/Laboratory Activity A classroom/laboratory activity to analyze the distribution of beetle, mammal, and plant species (for datasets from North America) in the past (based on fossil records), determine whether the same species exist today, and compare the past and present geographic ranges and ecosystems of these species. Students […]

Climate Change and Phenology in Plants (Flowering)

Climate Change and Phenology in Plants (Flowering) Classroom Activity A classroom/ laboratory activity to learn about phenology and phenological events, and to understand the potential impacts of climate change on periodic life-cycle events in plants, specifically, on the bloom date of North American lilac shrubs. Students will use phenology data on flowering patterns to create […]

Squirrel Species Distribution and Climate Change

Squirrel Species Distribution and Climate Change Classroom/Laboratory Activity A classroom/laboratory activity to examine and analyze squirrel species distribution and habitat data (from the USA) over time, and to interpret the possible relationship between climate change and changes in biodiversity. Students will analyze data for past and modern squirrel populations and habitats, and will then interpret […]

Natural Selection and Climate Change

Natural Selection and Climate Change Video A video that shows that climate change can be a selective pressure in natural selection that can lead to the ‘evolutionary rescue’ of a species. Students will learn about the Snowshoe hares in North America. They will understand how reduced snowfall due to a warming climate can behave as […]

Plant Responses to Climate Related Abiotic Stress

Plant Responses to Climate Related Abiotic Stress Video A video lecture that gives an overview of how vegetation responds to climate change in terms of phenotypic plasticity, range shifts, phenology, and population changes. Students will learn about plant responses to increased CO2 levels, higher global temperatures and changing precipitation patterns by discussing their impacts on […]