Climate Change Education Across the Curricula, Across the Globe

Climate Change Education Across the Curricula

Tag: Middle School

Reading: What is the Atmosphere?

Posted by on in Earth Sciences, Geography

A short reading by the Aspen Global Change Institute that summarizes what the atmosphere is. This resource can be used as an introduction to the topic by teachers interested in teaching about climate change and the role of the atmosphere.

This reading includes overview discussions on the following topics:

  1. What is the atmosphere?
  2. What makes up the atmosphere?
  3. How do humans affect the atmosphere?

The reading also includes a short journal activity. 

Students will understand what the atmosphere is. They will also understand about climate change and the role of the atmosphere.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. What is the atmosphere?
  2. Discuss climate change and the role of the atmosphere.

About the Tool 

Tool NameThe Atmosphere
DisciplineEarth Sciences, Geography
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview
Climate Topic Climate Literacy; Introduction to Climate Change
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelMiddle School; High School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byAspen Global Change Institute
Hosted atAspen Global Change Institute website
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: What is the Cryosphere?

Posted by on in Earth Sciences, Geography

A short reading by the Aspen Global Change Institute that summarizes what the cryosphere is. This resource can be used as an introduction to the topic by teachers interested in teaching about climate change and the role of the cryosphere.

This reading includes overview discussions on the following topics:

  1. What is the cryosphere?
  2. How does the cryosphere change?
  3. Human interactions with the cryosphere

The reading also includes a short journal activity. 

Students will understand what the cryosphere is. They will also understand about climate change and the role of the cryosphere.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. What is the cryosphere?
  2. Discuss climate change and the role of the cryosphere.

About the Tool 

Tool NameThe Cryosphere
DisciplineEarth Sciences, Geography
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview
Climate Topic Climate Literacy; Introduction to Climate Change
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelMiddle School; High School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byAspen Global Change Institute
Hosted atAspen Global Change Institute website
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: What is the Hydrosphere?

Posted by on in Earth Sciences, Geography

A short reading by the Aspen Global Change Institute that summarizes what the hydrosphere is. This resource can be used as an introduction to the topic by teachers interested in teaching about climate change and the role of the hydrosphere.

This reading includes overview discussions on the following topics:

  1. What is the hydrosphere?
  2. The variable hydrosphere
  3. How is the hydrosphere changing?

The reading also includes a short journal activity. 

Students will understand what the hydrosphere is. They will also understand about climate change and the role of the hydrosphere.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. What is the hydrosphere?
  2. Discuss climate change and the role of the hydrosphere.

About the Tool 

Tool NameThe Hydrosphere
DisciplineEarth Sciences, Geography
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview
Climate Topic Climate Literacy; Introduction to Climate Change
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelMiddle School; High School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byAspen Global Change Institute
Hosted atAspen Global Change Institute website
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: What is the Lithosphere?

Posted by on in Earth Sciences, Geography

A short reading by the Aspen Global Change Institute that summarizes what the lithosphere or geosphere is. This resource can be used as an introduction to the topic by teachers interested in teaching about climate change and the role of the geosphere.

This reading includes overview discussions on the following topics:

  1. What is the Geosphere?
  2. How does the geosphere interact in the earth system?
  3. How do humans interact with the geosphere?

The reading also includes a short journal activity. 

Students will understand what the geosphere is. They will also understand about climate change and the role of the lithosphere or geosphere.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. What is the lithosphere or geosphere?
  2. Discuss climate change and the role of the lithosphere.

About the Tool 

Tool NameThe Geosphere
DisciplineEarth Sciences, Geography
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview
Climate Topic Climate Literacy; Introduction to Climate Change
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelMiddle School; High School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byAspen Global Change Institute
Hosted atAspen Global Change Institute website
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: The Water Cycle

Posted by on in Chemistry

A reading that describes the impacts of climate change on the water cycle of Earth. This reading titled, ‘The Water Cycle and Climate Change’ by UCAR (University Corporation for Atmospheric Research) Center for Science Education details the effects of climate change on the natural water cycle on Earth.

Students will learn how various processes of the water cycle, such as evaporation, precipitation, and cloud formation, are potentially affected by climate change. They will further understand how these changes in turn could exacerbate the impacts of global warming.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. Describe the water cycle.
  2. List some of the ways how climate change can affect the weather.
  3. Discuss the water cycle and how it affects Earth’s climate. 

About the tool

Tool NameThe Water Cycle and Climate Change
DisciplineChemistry
Topic(s) in DisciplineEnvironmental Chemistry, Water Cycle, Biogeochemical Cycles, Hydrologic Cycle, Condensation, Evaporation, Evapotranspiration, Groundwater, Precipitation, Sublimation
Climate Topic Climate and the Hydrosphere; Climate and the Atmosphere
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelMiddle School, High School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byUCAR (University Corporation for Atmospheric Research) Center for Science Education
Hosted atUCAR Center for Science Education Website
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Classroom/ Laboratory Activity: Interactive Quiz on the Water Cycle

Posted by on in Chemistry

An interactive quiz about the Water Cycle. This  quiz by NASA’s Global Climate Change website allows students to test their knowledge about the natural water cycle and its role in Earth’s climate. 

Students will be quizzed on various aspects of the water cycle, including evaporation and precipitation. They will understand the connections between the various components of the water cycle and be introduced to some of the facts and figures associated with these components. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. Discuss the ‘Water Cycle’ and its components in the classroom. 
  2. Discuss how climate change can potentially affect the water cycle. 

About the tool

Tool NamePrecipitation and the Water Cycle
DisciplineChemistry
Topic(s) in DisciplineEnvironmental Chemistry, Water Cycle, Biogeochemical Cycles, Hydrologic Cycle, Condensation, Evaporation, Evapotranspiration, Groundwater, Precipitation, Sublimation
Climate Topic Climate and the Hydrosphere; Climate and the Atmosphere
Type of tool Quiz
Grade LevelMiddle School, High School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byNASA’s Global Climate Change
Hosted atNASA’s Global Climate Change Website
Linkhttps://climate.nasa.gov/quizzes/water-cycle/
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

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

Game: The Food Challenge

Posted by on in Environmental Sciences

A‌ computer-based game that shows the carbon footprints of different types of food. The objective of the game is to click on images of different foods – for example, cheese, banana and steak – from lowest to highest carbon footprint before the 30-second timer runs out. The clock is paused each time an answer is submitted to show whether players answered correctly. At the end of the game, a tally is provided of right and wrong answers. 

Students‌ ‌will‌ ‌be‌ introduced to the carbon footprints of different foods. Before they begin the game, students may take a moment to read descriptions of carbon footprints of different foods that are provided in the form of a slideshow at the bottom of the screen. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:  ‌

  1. What is the carbon footprint of different foods? 
  2. How have anthropogenic emissions impacted Earth’s climate change?
  3. Discuss why animal-based products generally have greater carbon footprints.

About‌ ‌the‌ ‌tool‌ ‌

Tool‌ ‌Name‌ ‌Climate Food Challenge
Discipline‌ ‌Environmental Sciences ‌
Topic(s)‌ ‌in‌ ‌Discipline‌ ‌Climate Change Overview, Agriculture, Food Security, Carbon Footprint
Climate‌ ‌Topic‌ ‌ ‌Climate and Agriculture; Climate and Food Security
Type‌ ‌of‌ ‌tool‌ ‌ ‌Game
Grade‌ ‌Level‌ ‌Primary School, Middle School, High School, Undergraduate
Location‌ ‌Global‌ ‌
Language‌ ‌English‌ ‌ ‌
Translation‌ ‌‌
Developed‌ ‌by‌ ‌Take A Bite Out of Climate Change
Hosted‌ ‌at‌ ‌  strangelyRetro.games
Link‌ ‌Link
Access‌ ‌Online‌ ‌
Computer‌ ‌Skills‌ ‌Basic‌ ‌

Reading: Climate Change: What Can You Do? A Comic

Posted by on in Environmental Sciences

A comic book by Somdatta Karak, CSIR- Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, India on climate solutions. This comic is inspired by a video discussion with OhScrapMadras and LataSitaa titled ‘Our Lifestyle Choices and Climate Crisis’ as part of the Climate Change Challenge outreach program of the CCMB. This reading can be used as an introduction to the topic of climate change by primary, middle school and high school teachers. It includes discussions on individual lifestyle choices and their carbon footprints. It focuses on  how the fashion industry is a contributor to global warming and other environmental pollution. 

Students will learn about what is climate change. They will learn about the contribution of the fashion industry to global warming. They will further learn about how new initiatives in the fashion industry are aiming to be carbon neutral. Additionally they will be introduced to climate solutions based on individual lifestyle choices. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is Climate Change?
  2. How does the fashion industry contribute to global warming?
  3. How do individual lifestyle choices help in mitigating the impacts of climate change? 

About the Tool 

Tool NameBe The Changemaker In Climate Crisis
DisciplineEnvironmental Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview, Introduction to Climate Change, Climate Solutions, Fashion
Climate Topic Introduction to Climate Change
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelPrimary School, Middle School, High School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed bySomdatta Karak
Hosted atClimate Change Challenge page of the CSIR- Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology website here
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: Climate Change Impacts- A Comic

Posted by on in Environmental Sciences

A comic book by Somdatta Karak, CSIR- Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, India that introduces the impacts of climate change on fragile ecosystems and how it affects the lives of people living there. This comic is inspired by a talk by Mayuresh Gangal, Nature Conservation Foundation, Bengaluru, India  titled ‘Fragile Ecosystems and Climate Crisis’ as part of the Climate Change Challenge outreach program of the CCMB. This reading can be used as an introduction to the topic of climate change by primary, middle school and high school teachers. It includes discussions on 

  1. What are fragile ecosystems?
  2. Climate Change impacts in fragile ecosystems such as Coral Islands
  3. The Coral Reef ecosystem
  4. Coral bleaching due to global warming
  5. Human migration due to the impacts of climate change
  6. Lives and livelihoods and climate refugees

Students will learn about what is climate change. They will learn about different fragile ecosystems such as coral islands, deserts, high mountains and deltas. They will further understand the impacts of climate change on coral islands and how the climate crises can lead to human migration from these fragile ecosystems. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is Climate Change?
  2. Describe the coral reef ecosystem.
  3. How is climate change causing the collapse of coral reefs in India and globally?
  4. What are climate refugees?

About the Tool 

Tool NameCaring For Others In The Climate Crisis
DisciplineEnvironmental Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview, Introduction to Climate Change, Ecosystems, Coral Reefs
Climate Topic Introduction to Climate Change, Climate Literacy, Climate and the Biosphere
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelPrimary School, Middle School, High School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed bySomdatta Karak
Hosted atClimate Change Challenge page of the CSIR- Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology website published here
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: Fossil Fuels and the Climate Crisis- A Comic

Posted by on in Environmental Sciences

A comic book by Somdatta Karak, CSIR- Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, India that introduces different forms of energy and how carbon based fossil fuels are causing global warming. This comic is inspired by a talk by Deepa Kushalani, TIFR, India  titled ‘Energy Sources and Climate Crisis’ as part of the Climate Change Challenge outreach program of the CCMB. This reading can be used as an introduction to the topic of climate change by primary, middle school and high school teachers. It includes discussions on 

  1. What is energy?
  2. What are the different sources of energy?
  3. How coal is the preferred energy source since the Industrial Revolution
  4. How the burning of coal leads to CO2 emissions that causes global warming
  5. Alternative sources of energy such as Solar, Wind, Nuclear energy 

Students will learn about what is climate change. They will also learn about different energy sources including traditional carbon based energy such as coal and renewable energy sources. They will also learn how human activity is causing an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere leading to global warming. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is Climate Change?
  2. List some non-renewable and renewable sources of energy.
  3. How did the widespread usage of coal since the Industrial Revolution lead to global warming? 

About the Tool 

Tool NameBalancing the Energy and Climate Crises
DisciplineEnvironmental Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview, Introduction to Climate Change, The Greenhouse Effect
Climate Topic Introduction to Climate Change, Climate Literacy
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelPrimary School, Middle School, High School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed bySomdatta Karak
Hosted atClimate Change Challenge page of the CSIR- Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology website published here
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: What Is Climate Change? A Comic

Posted by on in Environmental Sciences

A comic book by Somdatta Karak, CSIR- Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, India that introduces what is  climate change. This comic is based on a talk by Joy Merwin Monteiro, IISER Pune titled ‘How do scientists study climate change?’ as part of the Climate Change Challenge outreach program of the CCMB. This reading can be used as an introduction to the topic of climate change by primary, middle school and high school teachers. It includes discussions on 

  1. The difference between weather and climate
  2. What determines the climate of planet Earth
  3. The Greenhouse effect of the atmosphere 
  4. Greenhouse gases such as CO2 and water vapor
  5. Impacts of global warming
  6. Methods of measuring climate change

Students will learn about what is climate change. They will also learn about what determines the climate of planet Earth. They will also learn how human activity is causing an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere leading to global warming and its impacts. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is Climate Change?
  2. How are human activities causing global warming?
  3. Discuss some impacts of global warming.
  4. How do scientists measure changes in the Earth’s climate?

About the Tool 

Tool NameWhat is Climate Change and How Do Scientists Study It?
DisciplineEnvironmental Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview, Introduction to Climate Change, The Greenhouse Effect
Climate Topic Introduction to Climate Change, Climate Literacy
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelPrimary School, Middle School, High School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed bySomdatta Karak
Hosted atClimate Change Challenge page of the CSIR- Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology website published here
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Game: The Carbon Footprint of Chicken Tikka Masala and Other Food Items ‌

Posted by on in Environmental Sciences

A‌ computer-based game developed by Take a Bite Out Of Climate Change that shows the carbon footprints (in gCO2e) of different food items. The objective of the calculator is to select different items from a list, ranging from apple pie with cream to lentils, to meat and observing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted. Some of the items selected can further be broken down into the components making up the item. For example, the item apple pie with cream (604gCO2e) can be broken down into apple (44gCO2e), sugar (48gCO2e), flour (30gCO2e), butter (158gCO2e), cream (24gCO2e) and oven (10mins, 301gCO2e). Thus, the individual emissions may also be noted.

Students‌ ‌will‌ ‌be‌ introduced to the carbon footprints of different food items. They will further be able to visualize how some items are created and why they have higher emissions than other items. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:  ‌

  1. What is the carbon footprint of a typical breakfast, lunch, and dinner? 
  2. What is the carbon footprint of lentils? Of Steak? Of Chicken Tikka Masala?
  3. What is the carbon footprint of baked versus fried snacks?

About‌ ‌the‌ ‌tool‌ ‌

Tool‌ ‌Name‌ ‌Take a Bite Out of Climate Change
Discipline‌ ‌Environmental Sciences ‌
Topic(s)‌ ‌in‌ ‌Discipline‌ ‌Climate Change Overview, Agriculture, Food Security
Climate‌ ‌Topic‌ ‌ ‌Climate and Food Security; Climate and Agriculture
Type‌ ‌of‌ ‌tool‌ ‌ ‌Game
Grade‌ ‌Level‌ ‌Primary School, Middle School, High School, Undergraduate
Location‌ ‌Global‌ ‌
Language‌ ‌English‌ ‌ ‌
Translation‌ ‌‌
Developed‌ ‌by‌ ‌TAKE A BITE OUT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Hosted‌ ‌at‌ ‌TAKE A BITE OUT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Link‌ ‌Link
Access‌ ‌Online‌ ‌
Computer‌ ‌Skills‌ ‌Basic‌ ‌

Game: The Carbon Footprint of Food

Posted by on in Environmental Sciences

A‌ game with flashcards that contain the carbon emissions (in gCO2e) of different foods. This game has been developed by GGDOT with Take A Bite Out Of Climate Change. A picture of the food item is on each card with the following categories: 

  1. Emissions
  2. Water
  3. Fibre
  4. Calories
  5. Protein
  6. Driving

There are no fixed rules for the game and students can make up their own rules or borrow rules from other games. Users can download the food flashcards and print them for use in the classroom.

Students‌ ‌will‌ ‌be‌ introduced to carbon emissions of different food types such as bread, butter, porridge, coffee, milk, eggs, pizza, lamb, stek, fish, vegetables and others. They will further be able to understand the different nutritional values of common food items.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:  ‌

  1. What is the carbon footprint of sausages, lamb, steak, fish, different vegetables?
  2. Discuss which food types are healthy and have low carbon footprints. ‌

About‌ ‌the‌ ‌tool‌ ‌

Tool‌ ‌Name‌ ‌Game: Climate Food Flashcards from GGDOT and Take a Bite Out of Climate Change
Discipline‌ ‌Environmental Sciences ‌
Topic(s)‌ ‌in‌ ‌Discipline‌ ‌Climate Change Overview, Agriculture, Food Security
Climate‌ ‌Topic‌ ‌ ‌Climate and Food Security; Climate and Agriculture
Type‌ ‌of‌ ‌tool‌ ‌ ‌Game
Grade‌ ‌Level‌ ‌Primary School, Middle School, High School, Undergraduate
Location‌ ‌Global‌ ‌
Language‌ ‌English‌ ‌ ‌
Translation‌ ‌‌
Developed‌ ‌by‌ ‌  GGDOT and TAKE A BITE OUT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Hosted‌ ‌at‌ ‌  TAKE A BITE OUT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Link‌ ‌Link
Access‌ ‌Online‌ ‌
Computer‌ ‌Skills‌ ‌Basic‌ ‌

Video: Climate Change and the Food We Eat

Posted by on in Environmental Sciences

A‌ video by Sarah Bridle that introduces her book, ‘ ‘Food and Climate Change Without the Hot Air. Change your diet: the easiest way to help save the planet’ as well as the website and game built around it. This video highlights how food production contributes to a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gases and why there is a need for a shift in diet and nutrition practices. 

Students‌ ‌will‌ be introduced to the contents as well as motivations behind Birdle’s book. They will further learn about the variations in greenhouse gas emissions caused by producing different foods and how this information could potentially be used to shift diet and farming practices. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:  ‌

  1. Discuss how food production contributes to climate change?
  2. Discuss why animal-based products generally have higher greenhouse gas emissions. 
  3. Use the polls in the video comparing foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner  in the classroom (optional).

About‌ ‌the‌ ‌tool‌ ‌

Tool‌ ‌Name‌ ‌‘Food and Climate Change Without the Hot Air’ Launch
Discipline‌ ‌Environmental Sciences ‌
Topic(s)‌ ‌in‌ ‌Discipline‌ ‌Climate Change Overview, Agriculture, Food Security
Climate‌ ‌Topic‌ ‌ ‌Climate and Agriculture; Climate and Food Security
Type‌ ‌of‌ ‌tool‌ ‌ ‌Video
Grade‌ ‌Level‌ ‌Middle School, High School, Undergraduate
Location‌ ‌Global‌ ‌
Language‌ ‌English‌ ‌ ‌
Translation‌ ‌‌
Developed‌ ‌by‌ ‌  UIT Cambridge
Hosted‌ ‌at‌ ‌  YouTube
Link‌ ‌Link
Access‌ ‌Online‌ ‌
Computer‌ ‌Skills‌ ‌Basic‌ ‌

Model/ Simulator: The Greenhouse Effect

Posted by on in Chemistry

An interactive simulation to explore the role of different greenhouse gases in causing the greenhouse effect. This PhET simulation titled, ‘The Greenhouse Effect’ by University of Colorado, Boulder, helps to visualize the greenhouse effect of the atmosphere.

Students will learn how certain gases in the atmosphere absorb outgoing terrestrial radiation and re-radiate the energy back to Earth’s surface. Using the simulation, they will also be able to adjust the concentration of different greenhouse gases and to note the corresponding surface temperatures of the planet. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What are greenhouse gases?
  2. What is the ‘greenhouse effect’ of the Earth’s atmosphere?
  3. Discuss how varying concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere cause global warming. 

About the tool

Tool NameThe Greenhouse Effect
DisciplineChemistry
Topic(s) in DisciplineGreenhouse Effect, Greenhouse Gases (GHGs), Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Global Warming
Climate Topic Greenhouse Effect; Introduction to Climate Change
Type of tool Simulation
Grade LevelMiddle School, High School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish, French, German, and Spanish
Translation
Developed byPhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado
Hosted atPhET Interactive Simulations Website
Linkhttps://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/greenhouse
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Teaching Module: The Greenhouse Effect

Posted by on in Chemistry

A teaching module for teachers that explains what greenhouse gases are and describes their role in causing global warming. This resource developed by the Office for Climate Education (OCE) introduces students to the concept of the greenhouse effect and the importance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.  The module is based on the IPCC Special Report -Global Warming of 1.5°C and has been developed especially for teachers.

Students will be introduced to the topic of greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect of the atmosphere. They will further learn about the relationship between this effect and global warming. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is the ‘greenhouse effect’?
  2. Discuss how the industrial revolution has resulted in an increase in the concentration of some GHGs in the atmosphere and how this contributes to global warming.

About the tool

Tool Name‘A. Understanding global warming’, pages 7-9 of the document,
‘IPCC Special Report “Global Warming of 1.5 0 C”- Summary for Teachers’
DisciplineChemistry
Topic(s) in DisciplineGreenhouse Effect, Greenhouse Gases (GHGs), Greenhouse Gas Emissions,
Global Warming, Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Climate Topic Greenhouse Effect; Introduction to Climate Change
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelMiddle School, High School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byOffice for Climate Education (OCE)
Hosted atOffice for Climate Education (OCE) Website
LinkLink
AccessOnline/Offline
Computer SkillsBasic

Visualization: Introduction to the Carbon Cycle

Posted by on in Chemistry, Environmental Sciences

An infographic that describes the Carbon Cycle and how anthropogenic activities affect the Carbon Cycle. This infographic by NASA explains how higher concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to anthropogenic activities are affecting the natural carbon cycle.

Students will learn about the carbon cycle and the absorption of carbon dioxide by the land and oceans. They will further be introduced to facts and figures regarding the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. Discuss the ‘Carbon Cycle’ in the classroom. 
  2. How do anthropogenic activities affect carbon dioxide concentrations? 

About the tool

Tool NameEarth’s carbon cycle is off balance
DisciplineEnvironmental Sciences; Chemistry
Topic(s) in DisciplineCarbon Cycle, Biogeochemical Cycles
Climate Topic Long-term Cycles and Feedback Mechanisms
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelMiddle School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byNASA
Hosted atClimate NASA Website
Linkhttps://climate.nasa.gov/climate_resources/136/infographic-earths-carbon-cycle-is-off-balance/
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

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

Reading: The Carbon Dioxide Greenhouse Effect

Posted by on in Earth Sciences, Physics

A reading titled ‘The Carbon Dioxide Greenhouse Effect’ by Spencer Weart hosted on the website of Center for History of Physics, American Institute of Physics. This reading is a supplement to the book titled, ‘The Discovery of Global Warming’ by Spencer Weart. It includes discussions on the greenhouse effect of the atmosphere and how it impacts Earth’s temperature. The reading also discusses the pioneering work of Svante Arrhenius, Guy Stewart Callendar, and Charles David (Dave) Keeling. 

Students will be introduced to the Greenhouse Effect, Keeling Curve, carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, and how increased carbon dioxide concentrations can cause an increase in the surface temperature of the Earth. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. What is the Greenhouse Effect?
  2. How does increased carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere lead to warming of the planet?

About the Tool

Tool NameThe Carbon Dioxide Greenhouse Effect
DisciplinePhysics, Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineGreenhouse Effect, Greenhouse Gases, Keeling Curve
Climate TopicGreenhouse Effect; Planetary Climate; Planetary Energy Balance
Type of toolReading
Grade LevelMiddle School, Highschool
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish
Translation
Developed bySpencer Weart
Hosted atCenter for History of Physics, American Institute of Physics
LinkLink
AccessOnline/ Offline
Computer SkillsBasic