Life Science and Climate Change Lesson Plan
OER PROJECT / LESSON PLANTEACHING GUIDE1LifeScienceand Climate Change Lesson PlanLength: Approx. two 50-min.class periodsDescription: Students explore how living systems respond to climate change by evaluating real-world adaptation strategies that reduce the impacts of human activities on ecosystems and communities. Through research, discussion, and design challenges, students analyze how biological and human systems adapt to environmental change,and then develop evidence-based solutions to improve resilience.Note: Linked sample answers require a free teacher log-in. Click hereto sign up or log in.NGSS Standards AlignmentHS-LS2-7: Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.Learning Objectives:•Evaluate climate changeadaptation strategiesand identify solutions that will have the greatest impact.•Research, design, and advocate for an adaptation strategy.Day 1: Climate Change Adaptation•Opener:Students start thinking about the relationship between climate impacts and adaptation solutions with the quick warm-up activity Adaptation Brainstorm.•Read: Students read the article “Adaptation Solutions”to explore adaption solutions,and then complete the activity Evaluating Adaptation Solutionsto evaluate which solutions are worth investing in.Find key idea questions and sample answers for these resources here.•Discuss: In small groups or as a class, discuss thisquestion: What’s one adaptation solution you think would make an impact in your community? Why?
OER PROJECT / LESSON PLANTEACHING GUIDE2Day 2: Adapting Urban Spaces•Read: Students read the infographic Resilient Citiesto investigate the building adaptations that can make our cities more resilient and livable in the face of climate change.•Do: Have students complete the activity Urban Design Challengeto use what they’ve learned to design a building to lessen the effects of climate change.Optional Research ExtensionStudents can select an adaptation area of their choosing to design, evaluate, and refine a climate-adaptation solution.Use the Adaptation Solution Researchactivity and the following questions to guide research: •Time:How quickly can the solution start to havean impact?•Cost:How much will it cost to implement the solution, both upfront and in the long term?•Impact potential:How great will the solution’s effect be on the well-being of humanity and nature?Explore FurtherWant more? Check out these resources:•Video: Why Fish Farmers Need a Better Weather Forecast•Activity: Direct Impacts Research