Climate Vocab Word Wheel
CLIMATE PROJECT/ LESSON 2.4ACTIVITY CLIMATE VOCAB: WORD WHEEL1Unless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under CC BY 4.0. Credit: “Climate Vocab: Word Wheel”, OER Project, https://www.oerproject.com/Preparation•Print the vocab wheel and create a spinnerPurposeLearn some of the most important—and misunderstood—terms about climate change. These terms come up frequently in discussions about climate change, and learning what they mean and how to use them will enable you to confidently participate in these conversations.Process1.On then next page, draw lines to match the term with the correct definition. Do the best you can based on what you know, but if you get stuck, feel free to conduct some research or chat with a partner.Here’s an example:climate changeThe rise in global temperatures due mainly to the emission of greenhouse gases.global warming Changes in the measures of Earth’s climate over a long period of time, including weather, precipitation, and temperature patterns.2.Now, you’re going to play a few rounds of the Word Wheel game. Working with a small group or on your own, pick a vocab word, and then spin the wheel and complete the action related to where the spinner has landed. The actions for each wordare:•Use it in a sentence: Come up with a sentence that uses the word.•Think of an antonym: Come up with a word that is the opposite of the wordyou have.•Draw it: Create a quick sketch of the word.•Act it out: Act out the definition of the word (don’t just act out the word itself).•Explain how the word relates to climate change: Relate the word to something you’ve learned or already knowabout climate change.•You choose: You can do any of the above!
CLIMATE PROJECT / LESSON 2.4ACTIVITY CLIMATE VOCAB: WORD WHEEL2climate changeA protective layer of Earth’s atmosphere that absorbs most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.global warming Actions taken to reduce or prevent the emissions of greenhouse gases.weatherChanges in the measures of Earth’s climate over a long period of time, including weather, precipitation, and temperature patterns.climateEnergy sources formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals.greenhouse gasesEnergy sources that are naturally replenished and emit little to no greenhouse gases.ozone layerGases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, producing a warming effect.carbon footprintResponding to the current and future impacts of climate change to minimize harm.carbon cycleShort-term atmospheric conditions.sequestrationThe long-term weather patterns of a specific region.adaptationThe natural process by which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, plants, and animals.mitigationThe process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in a stable form.fossil fuelsThe rise in global temperatures due mainly to the emission of greenhouse gases.clean energyThe total amount of greenhouse gases generated by an individual, organization, product, or activity.
CLIMATE PROJECT / LESSON 2.4ACTIVITY CLIMATE VOCAB: WORD WHEEL3Word Wheel