Climate Change Education Across the Curricula, Across the Globe

Climate Change Education Across the Curricula

Tag: Climate and the Biosphere

Reading: Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change

Posted by on in Chemistry, Environmental Sciences

A reading that describes natural carbon sources and sinks. This reading by Noelle Eckley Selin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, describes how anthropogenic activities alter the concentration of carbon in various sources and sinks, thus, contributing to global warming.

Students will learn about the various types of carbon sinks and sources. They will further understand the importance of the removal of this excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere using technologies for carbon capture and storage, and carbon sequestration.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What are the natural sources and sinks of carbon on Earth?
  2. Discuss the importance of carbon sequestration for climate mitigation.
  3. Discuss carbon sequestration through carbon capture and storage technologies.

About the tool

Tool NameCarbon Sequestration
DisciplineChemistry, Environmental Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineCarbon Sequestration, Carbon Capture and Storage, Carbon Sources and Sinks
Climate Topic Climate and the Atmosphere; Climate Mitigation and Adaptation; Climate and the Biosphere; Climate and the Lithosphere
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelMiddle School, High School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byNoelle Eckley Selin
Hosted atBritannica
Linkhttps://www.britannica.com/technology/carbon-sequestration
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: Pandemics in a Changing World

Posted by on in Biological Sciences

A reading that describes the relationship between climate change and the occurrence of newly emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19. This reading by Daisy Dunne for Climate Brief discusses the rise in zoonotic diseases due to changes in habitats and closer interactions of humans and wild animals. It further highlights how these interactions are exacerbated by land-use changes such as deforestation and habitat loss.

Students will learn how climate change induced changes to biodiversity and habitat could lead to transmission of viruses from animals to humans. They will further understand how and why pandemics could develop when climate change affects the biogeographical distribution of species. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. Why is there a possibility of increased incidence of newly emerging viruses in recent times?
  2. How could climate change increase the risk of inter-species virus spillover in the future?
  3. Discuss some of the factors necessary for the transmission of diseases from animals to humans. 

About the tool

Tool NameQ & A: Could climate change and biodiversity loss raise the risk of pandemics?
DisciplineBiological Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineInfectious Diseases, Disease Transmission, Virus, Zoonosis, Virus Spillover, Biodiversity, Habitat Loss
Climate Topic Climate and the Biosphere
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelHigh School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byDaisy Dunne , Carbon Brief
Hosted atCarbon Brief Website
Linkhttps://www.carbonbrief.org/q-and-a-could-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-raise-the-risk-of-pandemics
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: Infectious Diseases In A Warming World

Posted by on in Biological Sciences

A reading that explains the role of climate change in the spread of infectious diseases. This reading by the World Health Organization describes the various modes of transmission of viral diseases in humans, in animals, and between animals and humans. It further contains examples of how environmental changes have affected the occurrence of various infectious diseases in humans in the past. 

Students will learn about the different ways infectious diseases are transmitted and the association of infectious diseases with climatic conditions. They will also briefly understand how predictive modelling has shown that climate change could potentially result in changes in transmission patterns.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is the zoonotic transmission of a disease? Give examples.
  2. Discuss what zoonotic transmission is, in the context of the SARS-CoV-2. 
  3. Discuss process-based (mathematical) models and their use in tracking the spread of malaria.

About the tool

Tool NameClimate Change and Infectious Diseases
DisciplineBiological Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineInfectious Diseases, Disease Transmission, Zoonosis, Anthroponosis, Virus, Virus spillover, Malaria
Climate Topic Climate and the Biosphere
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelHigh School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byWorld Health Organization
Hosted atWorld Health Organization Website
Linkhttps://www.who.int/globalchange/climate/en/chapter6.pdf
AccessOnline/Offline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: Carbon Sequestration in Soil

Posted by on in Chemistry, Environmental Sciences

A reading by Judith D. Schwatz for YaleE360, published at the Yale School of the Environment, that describes how carbon is stored in soil. It discusses carbon sequestration, carbon capture and storage and carbon sources and sinks. It further highlights how the release of carbon from the soil due to anthropogenic activities can cause global warming. 

Students will learn about ‘soil carbon’ and its role in sequestering carbon dioxide. They will understand the importance of land restoration and some of the techniques and methods utilised to improve soil quality. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is ‘carbon sequestration’?
  2. Discuss the role of soil in the carbon cycle?
  3. Describe some of the methods used to restore land. 

About the tool

Tool NameSoil as Carbon Storehouse: New Weapon in Climate Fight?
DisciplineChemistry, Environmental Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineCarbon Cycle, Carbon Sequestration, Carbon Capture and Storage, Carbon Sources and Sinks
Climate Topic Climate Mitigation and Adaptation; Climate and the Lithosphere; Climate and the Atmosphere; Climate and the Biosphere
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelHigh School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byJudith D. Schwatz 
Hosted atYaleE360, published at the Yale School of the Environment
Linkhttps://e360.yale.edu/features/soil_as_carbon_storehouse_new_weapon_in_climate_fight
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: Ecosystem-Based Conservation in Central Africa

Posted by on in Biological Sciences

A case study titled ‘Mountain Gorillas Ecosystem Services and Local Livelihoods in Rwanda, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo’ from the report ‘Biodiversity, Climate Change and Sustainable Development – Harnessing Synergies and Celebrating Successes’. This case study describes ecosystem-based conservation of the mountain gorilla in Central Africa. It focuses on the vulnerability of mountain gorillas as well as the local communities in the region due to climate change and its impacts. 

Students will learn about threats faced by mountain gorillas, in terms of habitat loss, community use of forest resources, and climate change. They will also learn of ecosystem-based approaches of mountain gorilla conservation. Additionally, students will understand how mountain gorilla habitat conservation is linked to livelihoods of local communities in the region. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What are the threats faced by the mountain gorilla of Central Africa due to climate change?
  2. Discuss ecosystem-based conservation approaches for the conservation of mountain gorilla and their habitat.
  3. Discuss the role of different stakeholders in ecosystem-based conservation.

About the Tool 

Tool Name 9.8. Case #8 Mountain Gorillas Ecosystem Services and Local Livelihoods in Rwanda, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo from Biodiversity, Climate Change and Sustainable Development harnessing synergies and Celebrating Successes
Discipline Biological Sciences
Topic(s) in Discipline Conservation, Ecosystem-based Conservation, Habitat Loss, Mountain Gorilla
Climate Topic Climate and the Biosphere
Type of Tool Reading
Grade Level High School, Undergraduate
Location Africa, Central Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo
Language English
Translation –
Developed by Guy Midgley, Sarshen Marais, Mandy Barnett and Katinka Wågsæther, University of South African National Biodiversity Institute, Conservation South Africa and Indigo Development and Change
Hosted at UNFCCC
Link Reading Link
Access Online, Offline
Computer Skills Basic

Teaching Module: Biogeochemical Cycles and Climate Change

Posted by on in Chemistry

A teaching module that discusses the carbon cycle and the nitrogen cycle. This reading by University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) describes the 2 cycles and details how the components are cycled through different parts of the Earth- atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. 

Students will be introduced to biogeochemical cycles, the processes involved, and how the carbon and nitrogen cycles work. They will further understand how anthropogenic activities potentially alter the functioning of such cycles and how this contributes to climate change.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is the carbon cycle? Describe its components and processes.
  2. What is the nitrogen cycle? Describe its components and processes.
  3. Discuss how biogeochemical cycles influence Earth’s climate?

About the tool

Tool NameBiogeochemical Cycles
DisciplineChemistry
Topic(s) in DisciplineCarbon Cycle, Nitrogen Cycle, Sequestration, Capture and Storage, Sources and Sinks, Biogeochemical Cycles
Climate Topic Long-term Cycles and Feedback Mechanisms; Climate and the Atmosphere, Climate and the Biosphere; Climate and the Hydrosphere, Climate and the Anthroposphere; Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
Type of tool Teaching Module
Grade LevelMiddle School, High School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byUniversity Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)
Hosted atUCAR Website
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Classroom Activity: Climate Change and Phenology in Plants (Flowering)

Posted by on in Biological Sciences

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.

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Video: Gene Editing in Tomato Plants

Posted by on in Biological Sciences

A video that describes a new gene editing technology, ‘CRISPR: Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats’, which could be utilized in agricultural production in response to climate change. This video by Zachary Lippman, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), highlights his use of CRISPR gene editing in two varieties of tomato plants to make them flower and ripen earlier than usual.

Students will learn briefly about growth cycles in tomato plants, and their tendency to reduce yield when days are longer. They will further understand the use of CRISPR technology in tomato plants and how this approach is useful to obtain faster and higher yields of the tomato crop.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. Discuss how climate change might impact the growth of the tomato plant.
  2. Discuss the role of CRISPR in agricultural production using the tomato crop as an example. 

About the tool

Tool NameGene editing yields tomatoes that flower and ripen weeks earlier
DisciplineBiological Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineGene Editing, CRISPR, Tomato Plant, Cultivation
Climate Topic Climate and Agriculture; Climate and the Biosphere
Type of tool Video (3 mins)
Grade LevelHigh School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byZachary Lippman
Hosted atCold Spring Harbor Laboratory on YouTube
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: GM Crops in Sub-Saharan Africa

Posted by on in Biological Sciences

A reading by John Agaba, Alliance for Science, Cornell University, that describes the importance of food security in Sub-Saharan Africa, in the face of climate change. This reading includes several examples of genetically modified crops and why they are favoured by farmers in Sub-Saharan African countries.

Students will learn about genetically modified crops and some arguments surrounding their utilization. They will further understand how genetically modified crops could possibly bolster food security in several Sub-Saharan African countries that are dealing with failed crops due to climate change.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. Briefly describe Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). 
  2. Why do farmers prefer to plant hybrid or genetically modified crops? List some of the examples.
  3. Discuss the arguments surrounding GM crop utilization in Africa.

About the tool

Tool NameAfrican farmers want GMO seeds to help weather climate change
DisciplineBiological Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineGenetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), GMO Crops
Climate Topic Climate and Agriculture; Climate and the Biosphere; Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelHigh School
LocationGlobal, Africa
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byJohn Agaba
Hosted atAlliance for Science, Cornell University
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Classroom/Laboratory Activity: Carbon Dioxide and Photosynthetic Rates

Posted by on in Biological Sciences

A classroom/laboratory activity that shows how to measure the rate of photosynthesis and its changes under different conditions including high concentrations of carbon dioxide, a potential contributor to climate change.

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Video: Climate Change and Food Webs

Posted by on in Biological Sciences

A video of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Biointeractive that describes the threats of climate change on the ecosystem of the Yellowstone National Park, USA. In this video, Elizabeth Hadley, Stanford University, discusses how climate change can lead to changes in habitats and species interactions.  

Students will learn about how a warming climate potentially causes organisms to change their behaviour and alter the food web. They will understand these changes through an example of interactions between the whitebark pine trees, bark beetles, squirrels and grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park, USA. They will also learn about aquatic habitat loss and threats to amphibian populations in the park. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. Discuss how climate change is causing changes to the ecosystem of the Yellowstone National Park 
  2. How is climate change affecting the food web? Discuss using the example of the bark beetle.

About the Tool

Tool Name Liz Hadly Tracks the Impact of Climate Change in Yellowstone
Discipline Biological Sciences
Topic(s) in Discipline Food Web, Ecosystems, Food Chain, Producers, Consumers
Climate Topic Climate and the Biosphere
Type of Tool Video/Microlecture (8 mins)
Grade Level High School
Location North America, USA, Yellowstone National Park
Language English
Translation –
Developed by Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Biointeractive
Hosted at Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Biointeractive
Link Video Link
Access Online
Computer Skills Basic

Climate Change and Migratory Behavior

Posted by on in Biological Sciences
This guided lecture and discussion helps students to understand the possible impact of climate change on animal migration (an important animal behaviour) and to explore the neuroscience of migration. The example of monarch butterfly migration is used for discussion and reading.

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Classroom/Laboratory Activity: Survival Skills—Response of Organisms to Climate Change

Posted by on in Biological Sciences

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.

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The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment

Posted by on in Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences

This reading resource contains several modules and case studies on climate change and its impact on human health. Chapters (available for download or to read online ) include Temperature-related Death and Illness; Air Quality Impacts; Vector-Borne Diseases; Water-Related Illness; Food Safety; Mental Health and Well-Being.

Read More “The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment”

Classroom/Laboratory Activity: Photosynthesis Under Variable Environmental Conditions

Posted by on in Biological Sciences, General

A simple simulator that allows users to change a range of variables such as the color of light, brightness of light, and carbon dioxide concentration, and then note their impact on the photosynthetic efficiency of a plant.

Read More “Classroom/Laboratory Activity: Photosynthesis Under Variable Environmental Conditions”