Earth and Space Science and Climate Change Lesson Plan
OER PROJECT / LESSON PLANTEACHING GUIDE1Earth & Space Scienceand Climate Change Lesson PlanLength: Approx. two 50-min.class periodsDescription: Investigatescientific evidence for climate change by analyzing real-world data on global temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions, sea-level rise, and extreme heat. Through data analysis, mapping tools, and climate models, students evaluate how Earth’s systems are changing over time,and then use evidence to make predictions about future climate impacts.Note: Linked sample answers require a free teacher log-in. Click hereto sign up or log in.NGSS Standards AlignmentMS-ESS3-5: Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.HS-ESS3-5: Analyze geoscience data and the results from global climate models to make an evidence-based forecast of the current rate of global or regional climate change and associated future impacts to Earth's systems.Learning Objectives:•Evaluatedata and trends that demonstrate climate change over time.•Analyze data to make an evidence-based prediction about possible future impacts to Earth’s systems. Day 1: The Evidence of Climate Change •Opener:Students warm up their data-analysis skills by completing the quick activityData Investigation.Read: Students read the article “How Do We Know Climate Change Is Real?”and the infographic Small Parts, Big Impactsto explore the evidence around global temperatures and emissions.Find key idea questions and sample answers for these resources here.•Do: Have students analyze evidence from the article and Our World in Datato construct a scientific claim—supported by data—that answers thisquestion: How do we know climate change is real?
OER PROJECT / LESSON PLANTEACHING GUIDE2Day 2: Global Emissions•Read: Students read the article “Climate Impacts: Sea-Level Rise” to explore the impacts of rising temperatures on coastal communities around the world.Find key idea questions and sample answers for these resources here.•Do: Have students explore the tools featured in the article,including the NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer, NASA’s IPCC AR6 Sea Level Projection Tool, and Our World in Data,anduse evidence toanswer the following questions:oHow is sea-level riseaffecting—orhow might it affect—your community?oWhich communities or regions are likely to be most impacted by rising sea levels?oIn what ways mightsea-level rise make existing challenges or vulnerabilitiesworse?•Do: Students complete the activity Mapping a Climate Futureto investigate a series of climate maps to visualize what the impacts of extreme heat look like now,and to make predictions for what it maylook like in the future.Optional Research ExtensionStudents can explore the ImpactMapfurther to research historical and predicted global temperatures. Use the following questions to guide research: •Which areas globally will be most impacted in the future?•Why might some areas benefit from climate change in the future?•What do you think will be the most significant impacts you’ll face in your lifetime? Why?Explore FurtherWant more? Check out these resources:•Infographic: Does Half a Degree Really Matter?•Activity: Direct Impacts Research