Climate Change Education Across the Curricula, Across the Globe

Climate Change Education Across the Curricula

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Reading: A History of Climate Models

Posted by on in Earth Sciences, Physics

A reading titled ‘Simple Models of Climate Change’ by Spencer Weart hosted on the website of Center for History of Physics, American Institute of Physics. This reading is a supplement to Spencer Weart’s book titled, ‘The Discovery of Global Warming’. This reading provides a history of climate change models from 1950 and how they evolved over time. 

Students will learn about various topics in physics and earth sciences such as the greenhouse effect, atmospheric radiation, heat transfer, and general atmospheric circulation models. They will also learn how some ideas – correct and incorrect, about climate sciences were theorised and evolved with time.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. When was the first climate change model theorised?
  2. What were some of the misconceptions about climate change in the mid-20th century?
  3. What ideas and methods about climate change from the past have carried on into current climate change models?

About the Tool

Tool NameSimple Models of Climate Change
DisciplinePhysics, Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Physics, Climate Models, Atmospheric Circulation, Heath Transfer, Radiation, Chaos Theory
Climate TopicPlanetary Climate; Planetary Energy Balance
Type of toolReading
Grade LevelHighschool, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish
Translation
Developed bySpencer Weart
Hosted atCenter for History of Physics, American Institute of Physics
LinkLink
AccessOnline/ Offline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: Postcolonial Studies and Climate Change

Posted by on in Humanities

A reading by Dipesh Chakrabarty, The University of Chicago titled ‘Postcolonial Studies and the Challenge of Climate Change’ that discusses the link between globalization and global warming. Chakrabarty discusses this link through the writings of Homi K. Bhabha, that aims to stretch post colonial thinking to include the reality of climate change and global warming. The reading also discusses the challenges that climate change issues pose in a “neoliberal” capitalist world. Chakrabarty highlights the three images of human that currently exist:

  1. The universalist-Enlightenment view of the human with the ability to exercise rights 
  2. The globalized view of the human
  3. The human as a geological force that changes the climate 

Chakrabarty makes this distinction to understand the current debate between society, globalization and climate change. Through the writings of Homi K. Bhabha, the reading discusses ‘the postcolonial criticism of the human’ and ‘the human in the anthropocene’ that focuses on issues such as anthropogenic global warming, degradation of the natural environment and the development of humanity. 

Students will learn about postcolonial globalization and climate change. They will also learn about the criticism that postcolonial thinkers have about the current age of the anthropocene and the increasing changes in the climate. Students will further learn about the attempts that postcolonial thinkers have made to ensure that climate change and global warming are part of the human reality for future preservation of the environment. Additionally, students will learn about the failed recognition that society gives to the interdependence of humans on nature and its natural beings.   

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is the link between globalization and climate change?
  2. How do postcolonial thinkers criticise the age of the anthropocene?
  3. Discuss the three images that postcolonial thinkers have created for the human 
  4. How can postcolonial studies about the anthropocene inform the future?

About the Tool 

Tool NamePostcolonial Studies and the Challenge of Climate Change 
DisciplineHumanities
Topic(s) in DisciplinePostcolonial Studies, Cultural Studies, Neoliberalism, Anthropocene, Globalization, Capitalism
Climate Topic Climate and the Anthroposphere; Climate and Society
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelUndergraduate, Graduate 
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byDipesh Chakrabarty New Literary History (Vol 43, 1)
Hosted atThe Johns Hopkins University Press
LinkLink
AccessOnline/Offline
Computer SkillsBasic

Audio: Climate Change Poems read by Celebrities

Posted by on in Humanities

An audio resource that contains 21 poems on climate change. Compiled by UK poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, the resource provides audio files on themes of climate change by renowned poets, narrated by celebrities. The resource includes the following poems read by different celebrities:

  1. James Franco reads ‘Causeway’ by Matthew Hollis
  2. Jeremy Irons reads ‘Storm’ by Michael Longley 
  3. Ruth Wilson reads ‘Vertigo’ by Alice Oswald 
  4. Gabriel Byrne reads ‘Zoological Positivism Blues’ by Paul Muldoon 
  5. Michael Sheen reads ‘Scratching for Metaphor in the Somerset Coalfields’ by Sean Borodale
  6. Kelly Macdonald reads ‘Extinction’ by Jackie Kay 
  7. Maxine Peake reads ‘A Mancunian Taxi-driver Foresees His Death’ by Michael Symmons Roberts 
  8. Tamsin Greig reads ‘Last Snowman’ by Simon Armitage
  9. Iain Glen reads ‘Nostalgia’ by Don Paterson
  10. Iwan Rheon reads ‘Cantre’r Gwaelod*’ by Gillian Clarke 
  11. James Franco reads ‘Still like with Sea Pinks and High Tide’ by Maura Dooley
  12. Jeremy Irons reads ‘Turbines in January’ by Colette Bryce
  13. Ruth Wilson reads ‘Silent Sea’ by Rachael Boast
  14. Gabriel Byrne reads ‘The Solace of Artemis’ by Paula Meehan
  15. Michael Sheen reads ‘The Rhinoceros’ by Robert Minhinnick 
  16. Kelly Macdonald reads ‘X’ by Imtiaz Dharkar
  17. Maxine Peake reads ‘Doggerland’ by Jo Bell  
  18. Tamsin Greig reads ‘A Language of Change’ by David Sergeant
  19. Iain Glen reads ‘California Dreaming’ by Lachlan McKinnon
  20. Gabriel Byrne reads ‘Late Sentinels’ by Peter Fallon 
  21. James Franco reads ‘I was Born into a World’ by James Franco 

Both audio mp3 and text versions of the poems are available on the website

Students will learn about climate change through the use of poetry. They will also understand the techniques involved in writing and analysing poetry.  

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. How is climate change portrayed in modern poetry?
  2. How do you analyse a poem? 

About the Tool 

Tool Name‘Our melting, shifting liquid world’: celebrities read poems on climate change
DisciplineHumanities
Topic(s) in DisciplinePoetry, Literature 
Climate Topic Climate and Society
Type of tool Reading, Audio
Grade LevelHigh school, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byCarol Ann Duffy
Hosted atThe Guardian
LinkAudio Link
AccessOnline/Offline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: Climate Change in the Social Sciences Classroom

Posted by on in Social Sciences

An article titled ‘Climate Change in the Social Studies Classroom: A “Why” and “How to” Guide Using the C3 Framework’ by Lori M Kumler and Bethany Vosburg-Bluem published in the journal Social Education of the National Council for the Social Studies. This reading uses the C3 framework to discuss how climate change can be taught in Social Studies classrooms. It includes discussions on the following four dimensions of pedagogy applied to the disciplines of Civics, Economics, Geography, and History:

Dimension 1: Developing Questions and Planning Inquiries

Dimension 2: Applying Disciplinary Tools and Concepts

Dimension 3: Evaluating Sources and Using Evidence

Dimension 4: Communicating Conclusions and Taking Informed Action

Students will understand the importance of the social dimensions of climate change and the importance of the social studies in understanding climate change and its impacts. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is the role of the social sciences in understanding climate change?
  2. What are some social, economic, and political consequences of climate change?
  3. Discuss how climate change responsibility can be addressed.

About the Tool 

Tool NameClimate Change in the Social Studies Classroom: A “Why” and “How to” Guide Using the C3 Framework 
DisciplineSocial Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview
Climate Topic Climate Literacy
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byLori M Kumler and Bethany Vosburg-Bluem
Hosted atSocial Education, National Council for the Social Studies
LinkLink
AccessOnline/Offline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: Chaos Theory and Global Warming

Posted by on in Earth Sciences, Physics

A reading titled ‘Chaos in the Atmosphere’ by Spencer Weart hosted on the website of Center for History of Physics, American Institute of Physics. This reading is a supplement to Spencer Weart’s book titled, ‘The Discovery of Global Warming’, that explains complex models about weather prediction and chaos theory. 

Students will learn about chaos theory with respect to the Earth’s atmosphere and climate system. They will also learn how chaos theory is used to make predictions and calculations for climate change.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. What is chaos theory?
  2. What makes climate calculation difficult to predict?
  3. How can small changes lead to catastrophic climate impact?

About the Tool

Tool NameChaos in the Atmosphere
DisciplinePhysics, Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineChaos Theory, Climate Models, Atmospheric Physics, Weather Prediction
Climate TopicPlanetary Climate; Planetary Energy Balance
Type of toolReading
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish
Translation
Developed bySpencer Weart
Hosted atCenter for History of Physics, American Institute of Physics
LinkLink
AccessOnline/ Offline
Computer SkillsBasic

Teaching module: The Physics of Climate Change Prediction

Posted by on in Physics

A teaching module developed by Climateprediction.net on climate physics and climate models. The module for ‘A level Physics’ students includes introductory resources, exercises and worksheets on climate change models. The module consists of the following sections:

  • Introducing climate prediction
  • Climate modelling using Modellus
  • Simple Climate Model
  • The logistic equation
  • Advanced Climate Model
  • Science Behind the News Headlines

Students will be introduced to iterative modelling with spatial and temporal resolutions that can be used in Gas Laws and Thermal Physics. They will also learn about advanced logistic equations and how to apply them to the issue of climate change. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is a simple energy balance model? 
  2. How can logistic equations be used to predict climate and weather changes?
  3. Discuss, with example, how climate change science is portrayed in the media?

About the tool

Tool NameA level Physics
DisciplinePhysics
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Physics, Thermal Physics, Gas Law, Atmospheric Physics, Chaos Theory, Chaotic Systems, Climate Change Models, Logistic Equation, Greenhouse Gas Effect
Climate Topic Planetary Energy Balance; Planetary Climate; Climate Variability Record
Type of tool Teaching Module
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal 
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byClimate Prediction
Hosted atClimate Prediction Website
Linkhttps://www.climateprediction.net/education/a-level-physics/
AccessOnline/Offline
Computer SkillsBasic 

Reading: Teaching Climate Change in the Mathematics Classroom

Posted by on in Mathematics and Statistics

An article by Richard Barwell, University of Ottawa titled ’Climate change in the mathematics classroom: a local approach to a global challenge’ that describes how mathematics teachers can prepare their students to engage with climate change. This reading hosted on the Canadian Mathematical Society’s website includes discussions on the following topics:

  1. The mathematics of climate change 
  2. The role of citizens
  3. A critical mathematics perspective
  4. Mathematics teaching and climate change: a local approach 

Students will understand the role of mathematics in understanding and dealing with climate change. They will also discuss the use of mathematics in emphasizing the role of citizens when dealing with climate change.  

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. What is the role of mathematics in understanding climate change?
  2. How can local weather and climate data be used in mathematics teaching?

About the Tool 

Tool NameClimate change in the mathematics classroom: a local approach to a global challenge
DisciplineMathematics and Statistics
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview 
Climate Topic Climate Literacy
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelHigh school, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byRichard Barwell, University of Ottawa
Hosted atCanadian Mathematical Society
LinkLink
AccessOnline/Offline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: Climate Change Mathematics

Posted by on in Mathematics and Statistics

A reading by Chris Budd, University of Bath titled ‘The Mathematics of Climate Change’ that discusses the use of mathematical concepts and techniques to address climate change. The reading demonstrates the use of mathematical modelling, probability, statistics, dynamical systems theory and scientific computing to understand global warming, loss of ice, sea level rise, extreme weather events and make future predictions. 

Students will understand how mathematics contributes in understanding the Earth’s climate system and climate change. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. What is the role of mathematics in understanding climate change?
  2. How can mathematical models be used for climate prediction?

About the Tool 

Tool NameThe Mathematics of Climate Change
DisciplineMathematics and Statistics
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview, Mathematical Modelling, Probability, Statistics, Dynamical Systems Theory, Climate Modelling 
Climate Topic Climate Literacy
Type of tool Reading 
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byChris Budd 
Hosted atGresham College
LinkLink
AccessOnline/Offline
Computer SkillsBasic

Teaching Module: Teacher Guide to Climate Change and Agriculture

Posted by on in Environmental Sciences

A teaching module by Our Climate Our Future titled ‘Agriculture and Climate Change’ that discusses the impacts of climate change on agricultural crops and products. This resource can be used as an introduction to the topic by teachers interested in teaching about food security or agriculture. The teaching module includes a classroom/laboratory activity that is based on the National Climate Assessment report. 

Students will learn about the effects of climate change on agricultural produce in the U.S.A. Through discussions and interactive worksheets, they will also learn about food insecurity caused by climate change.  

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. How does climate change affect agriculture?
  2. How does climate change cause food insecurity?

About the Tool 

Tool NameAgriculture and Climate Change: Teacher Guide 
DisciplineEnvironmental Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview, Agriculture, Food Insecurity
Climate Topic Climate and Agriculture, Climate and Food Security 
Type of tool Teaching Module
Grade LevelHigh School
LocationNorth America, U.S.A
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byOur Climate Our Future
Hosted atOur Climate Our Future
LinkLink
AccessOnline/Offline
Computer SkillsBasic

E-learning Course: Climate Science: An Introduction

Posted by on in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences

An e-learning course by Andreas Schmittner, Oregon State University  titled ‘Introduction to Climate Science’ that discusses Earth’s climate and climate change. This course contains  lecture videos, exercises, references and various additional resources. It includes the following topics:-

  1. Weather
    1. Weather and Climate
    2. The Climate System
    3. Processes
  2. Observations
    1. Atmosphere
    2. Cryosphere
    3. Ocean
    4. Biosphere and Carbon Cycle
  3. Paleoclimate
    1. Methods
    2. The Last Two Millennia
    3. The Holocene
    4. The Ice Ages
  4. Theory
    1. Electromagnetic Radiation
    2. The Greenhouse Effect
    3. Earth’s Energy Budget
    4. Radiative Forcings, Feedback Processes, and Climate Sensitivity
  5. Carbon
    1. The Natural Carbon Cycle
    2. Anthropogenic Carbon
    3. Carbonate Chemistry and Ocean Acidification
  6. Processes
    1. Atmospheric Circulation
    2. The Hydrologic Cycle
    3. Ocean Circulation
  7. Models
    1. Construction
    2. Evaluation
    3. Applications
  8. Impacts
    1. Projections
    2. Ecosystems
    3. Long-Term Changes
    4. Regional Changes
    5. Extremes
    6. Impacts on Humans
  9. Economics
    1. Economics and the climate change challenge: Understanding incentives and policies
  10. Ethics
    1. Do We Have a Moral Responsibility to Stop Global Temperature Rise? Adapted from Moore and Nelson (2010, 2012)
  11. Solutions
    1. Technology
    2. Politics
    3. Personal Actions
    4. Adaptation

Students will be introduced to climate science and learn about the different aspects of past and present climate change – including natural and human-induced climate change. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is climate science?
  2. How does weather differ from climate?
  3. What is the Greenhouse effect?
  4. How to differentiate between natural and human-induced climate change?
  5. State some impacts of climate change.

About the Tool 

Tool NameIntroduction to Climate Science
DisciplineEarth Sciences, Environmental Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview, Climate Science, Global Warming, Climate History, Climate Physics, Climate Economics, Climate Politics
Climate Topic Introduction to Climate Change
Type of tool Teaching Module
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byAndreas Schmittner
Hosted atOregon State University
LinkLink
AccessOnline/Offline
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

Teaching Module: Climate Change Mathematics by NASA

Posted by on in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics

A teaching module by NASA makes the use of basic mathematics, algebra, geometry, trigonometric functions and statistics to understand earth science and climate change. This teaching module consists of a range of topics, for different grade levels, and relates them to mathematical modelling. The topic covered are as stated below:

  1. Fractions and Chemistry
  2. Counting Atoms in a Molecule
  3. Parts per Hundred
  4. Parts per Thousand
  5. Kelvin Temperatures and Very Cold Things
  6. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? 
  7. Ancient Eclipses and the Length of Day 
  8. Earth’s Polar Wander – The Chandler Wobble 
  9. Identifying Materials by their Reflectivity 
  10. Reflectivity Fingerprints
  11. Graphical Reflectivity Measurements 
  12. Electricity – Watts and Kilowatts
  13. Energy in the Home
  14. Energy Consumption in an Empty House! 
  15. Annual Electricity Consumption in a Home
  16. Carbon Dioxide Production at Home
  17. US Electrical Energy Consumption
  18. World Electricity Consumption and Carbon Dioxide 
  19. Earth’s Atmosphere
  20. Carbon Dioxide Production and Sequestration
  21. Carbon Dioxide Increases
  22. Modeling the Keeling Curve with Excel
  23. Carbon Dioxide – Where does it all go?
  24. A Simple Model for Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide 
  25. Carbon Dioxide Increases During the Last 2000 Years
  26. Carbon Dioxide Changes During the Last 400,000 Years 
  27. Solar Insolation Changes and the Sunspot Cycle
  28. The Solar Constant Since 1600
  29. Scientists Track the Rising Tide
  30. A Satellite View of Downtown Las Vegas
  31. Exploring Washington DC from Space! 
  32. Paris – In a Different Light
  33. Glacier Retreat
  34. Estimating Biomass Loss From a Large Fire 
  35. Earth – A Matter of Gravity!
  36. Magnetic Earth and the Lithosphere 
  37. Studying Ocean Plankton From Space 
  38. NASA Satellite Sees Carbon Dioxide 
  39. Carbon Production in the US – 2002 
  40. Earth’s Carbon Metabolism – Revealed
  41. The International Space Station and Atmospheric Drag 
  42. Satellite Drag and the Hubble Space Telescope 
  43. Earth’s Rotation Changes and the Length of the Day 
  44. The Global Warming Debate and the Arctic Ice Cap 
  45. The Great Gulf Oil Catastrophe of 2010
  46. Recent Events: A Perspective on Carbon Dioxide

Use this tool to help students find answers to:

  1. What is ‘reflectivity’? Graph the measurements of commonly mentioned materials as per their reflectivity index.
  2. What is ‘Keeling Curve’? What does it say about carbon dioxide concentrations over time?
  3. How is carbon dioxide concentration calculated using satellite imagery?

About the Tool

Tool NameEarth Math Educator Guide
DisciplineEarth Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Environmental Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineAlgebra, Data Analysis, Probability, Trigonometry, Fractions and Decimals, Energy Consumption, Visualization, Graphs, Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide, Keeling Curve, Carbon Sequestration, Glacier Retreat
Climate TopicIntroduction to Climate Change; Climate Variability Record; Planetary Climate
Type of toolTeaching Module
Grade LevelMiddle School, Highschool
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish
Translation 
Developed byNASA
Hosted atNANA STEM Engagement Website 
LinkLink
AccessOnline/ Offline
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

Teaching Module: Predict the Climate by throwing a dice

Posted by on in Mathematics and Statistics

A teaching module that uses a dice and Excel to demonstrate the difference between experimental and theoretical probabilities. It also uses temperature and precipitation data to calculate moving average, identify trends in time series, and learn about data visualization.

This teaching module provides multiple resources under 4 categories:

  1. Teachers’ notes for ‘Using sample data sets’ for offline teaching.
  2. Teachers’ notes, students’ notes, sample spreadsheet, presentation and presentation notes for ‘ Using dice as Climate Model’ for offline teaching using a computer.
  3. Teachers’ notes and students’ worksheet for ‘Investigating climate data using climateprediction.net results’ for online teaching, and
  4. Presentation and teaching notes for designing statistical questionnaire

Students will ​​learn about Excel functions, such as RAND, IF, and AVERAGE. They will also learn about visualization, modeling, probability and time series through climate modeling. Furthermore, students will also learn basic methodology used while designing questionnaires. 

Use this tool to help students find answers to:

  1. If you throw a dice 100 times, can you predict the climate? What is the probability that the 101st throw will be 4?
  2. Using climatepredictions.net to run temperature models, calculate the percentage error for each model.
  3. How is climate predicted? Why does climate prediction require the use of multiple models run over long periods of time? 

About the Tool

Tool NameKey stage 3 & 4 Maths
DisciplineMathematics and Statistics
Topic(s) in DisciplineProbability, Average, Moving Average, Mean, Time Series, Visualization, Questionnaire Formulation
Climate TopicClimate Variability Record; Climate and the Atmosphere
Type of toolTeaching Module
Grade LevelHigh School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish
Translation 
Developed byclimateprediction.net
Hosted atclimateprediction.net
LinkLink
AccessOnline/ Offline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: Climate Change Poetry

Posted by on in Humanities

A set of poems commissioned by the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) that feature 9 poems on the theme of climate change. The poems are based on the collective understanding of climate change and human response to this global phenomenon. These pieces were commissioned as part of ‘Seven Dimensions of Climate Change’ series of the RSA and include the following poems

  1. ‘A Climate of Change’ by George the Poet 
  2. ‘How’s My Coal’ by Simon Barraclough
  3. ‘Except for the Lone Wave’ by Grace Nichols 
  4. ‘Untitled’ by Tom Chivers 
  5. ‘We Have Everything We Need’ by Selena Nwulu
  6. ‘Water is Company’ by Ruth Padel 
  7. ‘Polar Heart’ by Simon Barraclough
  8. ‘Inheritance’ by John Agard 
  9. ‘Alongside Beans’ by Alice Oswald 

Students will learn about climate change and its impacts on society through poetry. They will also learn about linkages of  science and human emotion. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is climate poetry?
  2. How can poetry be used to tackle the issue of climate change?
  3. What are the essential components of poetry? 

About the tool: 

Tool Name9 Original Poems on Climate Change
DisciplineHumanities
Topic(s) in DisciplinePoetry, Literature
Climate Topic Climate and Society  
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate 
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byThe Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) 
Hosted atThe Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA)  
Linkhttps://www.thersa.org/globalassets/pdfs/events/climate-change-poetry-anthology.pdf
AccessOnline/Offline
Computer SkillsBasic

Teaching Module: Poetry Writing

Posted by on in Humanities

A classroom activity designed by the Poetry Society, UK that demonstrates techniques to write climate change poetry. This module provides a step by step guide in poetry writing. It uses Amanda Dalton’s poem ‘How to Disappear’ to draw on the theme of ‘disappearance’ which the reader can interpret on both personal levels as well as for the planet impacted by global warming. 

Students will learn techniques of poetry writing, specifically climate change poetry. They will also learn to narrate their emotions and perceptions about climate change through poetry.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What are the essential components of poetry?
  2. What are some things that may disappear from the Earth due to global warming?
  3. Discuss an idea for a climate change related poem.

About the Tool 

Tool NameVanishing Acts: Connecting Climate Change and Poetry 
DisciplineHumanities
Topic(s) in DisciplinePoetry 
Climate Topic Climate and Society
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelHigh school
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byHelen Mort
Hosted atThe Poetry Society, UK
Linkhttps://poetryclass.poetrysociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Vanishing-Acts-Poetry-and-Climate-Change-Helen-Mort-2.pdf
AccessOnline/Offline
Computer SkillsBasic

Classroom/ Laboratory Activity: Teaching Differentiating Functions through Solar Energy Data

Posted by on in Mathematics and Statistics

A classroom/ laboratory activity titled, ‘Country Photovoltaic Energy Production’ from Sustainability Math by Thomas J. Pfaff, Ithaca College, USA, to teach differentiating functions – logistic and exponential, using a hands-on computer-based classroom activity that includes data of photovoltaic (solar) energy production of several countries from 1990 to 2016.

This data is provided in an Excel spreadsheet. The classroom activity also includes a Word document that contains directions on how to use different mathematical methods on the data provided. 

Students will learn how to apply their understanding of logistic and exponential functions and apply the Quotient (or Product) Rule to describe the rates of increase of photovoltaic energy production over time in several countries such as Germany, Italy, and USA, amongst others, in recent times. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. What are differentiating functions?
  2. Distinguish between logarithmic, exponential, and logistic differentiating functions.
  3. How has the rate of global solar energy production changed since 1990?
  4. How do the rates of solar energy production in select countries (from the given datasets) differ from that of the World?
  5. Discuss how the use of photovoltaic energy can be a viable alternative to fossil fuels to combat global warming.

About the Tool

Tool NameCountry Photovoltaic Energy Production
DisciplineMathematics and Statistics
Topic(s) in DisciplineLogarithmic, Exponential, Logistic Differentiating Functions, Quotient or Product Rule
Climate TopicEnergy, Economics and Climate Change; Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
Type of toolClassroom/Laboratory Activity
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish
Translation
Developed byThomas J. Pfaff
Hosted atSustainability Math 
Linkhttp://sustainabilitymath.org/calculus-materials/
AccessOnline, Offline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: Climate Change and Natural Disasters

Posted by on in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geography

A reading by the National Wildlife Federation that discusses how climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events and other natural disasters. This overview reading can be used as an introduction to the topic by teachers interested in teaching about climate change and disasters and hazards.The reading includes discussions on the following topics: 

  1. Extreme heat waves
  2. Hurricanes
  3. Harmful algal outbreaks
  4. Megafires
  5. Droughts
  6. Floods

Students will learn about climate change impacts and how global warming is potentially causing an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events. They will also understand how different natural disasters impact the wildlife and ecosystems.  

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. Discuss how climate change is contributing to an increased frequency of natural disasters?
  2. How do natural disasters affect wildlife? Use examples. 

About the Tool 

Tool NameClimate Change, Natural Disasters, and Wildlife
DisciplineEarth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geography
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Change Overview, Disasters and Hazards, Heat Waves, Hurricanes, Megafires, Droughts, Floods, Algal Outbreaks
Climate Topic Disasters and Hazards; Climate Literacy
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byShannon Heyck-Williams for the National Wildlife Federation
Hosted atNational Wildlife Federation website
LinkLink
AccessOnline/Offline
Computer SkillsBasic

Classroom/ Laboratory Activity: Differentiation and Wind Energy

Posted by on in Mathematics and Statistics

A classroom/ laboratory activity titled, ‘Wind Energy by Selected Countries and World’ from Sustainability Math by Thomas J. Pfaff, Ithaca College, USA, to teach polynomial and logistic differentiation using a hands-on computer-based classroom activity that includes wind energy production data of several countries from 1980 to 2016.

This data is provided in an Excel spreadsheet.The classroom activity also includes a Word document that contains directions on how to use different mathematical methods on the data provided.

Students will learn how to apply their understanding of polynomial and logistic differentiation and apply the Quotient (or Product) Rule to describe the rates of increase of wind energy production over time in countries such as China, Spain, USA, and the World.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. What are differentiating functions?
  2. Describe polynomial and logistic differentiation using examples.
  3. How has the rate of global wind energy production changed since 1980?
  4. How do the rates of wind energy production in select countries (from the given datasets) differ from that of the World?
  5. Discuss how the use of wind energy can be a viable alternative to fossil fuels to combat global warming.

About the Tool

Tool NameWind Energy by Selected Countries and World
DisciplineMathematic and Statistics, 
Topic(s) in DisciplinePolynomial and Logistic Differentiation, Quotient or Product Rule
Climate TopicEnergy, Economics and Climate Change; Climate Mitigation and Adaptation; Climate Variability Record
Type of toolClassroom/Laboratory Activity
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish
Translation
Developed byThomas J. Pfaff
Hosted atSustainability Math 
Linkhttp://sustainabilitymath.org/calculus-materials/
AccessOnline, Offline
Computer SkillsBasic

Classroom/ Laboratory Activity: World Petroleum Consumption

Posted by on in Mathematics and Statistics

A classroom/ laboratory activity titled, ‘World Petroleum Consumption’ from Sustainability Math by Thomas J. Pfaff, Ithaca College, USA, to teach integration using a hands-on computer-based classroom activity that includes world petroleum consumption data from 1980 to 2016

This data is provided in an Excel spreadsheet. The classroom activity also includes a Word document that contains directions on how to use different mathematical methods on the data provided.

Students will learn how to apply their understanding of the relationship between a function and its integral and to set up and solve equations with an integral to describe the trend of world petroleum consumption over time. Additionally, they will also be able to answer how this global petroleum consumption is responsible for carbon emissions that have contributed towards post-industrial age global warming.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. What is the relationship between a function and its integral?
  2. How has the world petroleum consumption changed since 1980?

About the Tool

Tool NameWorld Petroleum Consumption
DisciplineMathematics and Statistics
Topic(s) in DisciplineIntegration, Integral Function, Function
Climate TopicEnergy, Economics and Climate Change; Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
Type of toolClassroom/Laboratory Activity
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish
Translation
Developed byThomas J. Pfaff
Hosted atSustainability Math 
Linkhttp://sustainabilitymath.org/calculus-materials/
AccessOnline, Offline
Computer SkillsBasic