Geography and Climate Change Lesson Plan
OER PROJECT / LESSON PLANTEACHING GUIDE1Geographyand Climate Change Lesson PlanLength: Approx. two 50-min.class periodsDescription: Discover how geography and geographic skills can help students better understand modern climate change and the interaction between humans and their environment.Note: Linked sample answers require a free teacher log-in. Click hereto sign up or log in.Learning Objectives:•Analyze maps and data to identify patterns in current and future sea-level rise.•Use evidence to evaluate how future climate conditions may reshape regionsand food systems.Day 1: Data Exploration: Sea-Level Rise•Opener:Students begin by sharpening their data-analysis skills inthequick warm-up activity Data Investigation.•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,and then answer 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 could sea-level rise make existing challenges or vulnerabilitiesworse?
OER PROJECT / LESSON PLANTEACHING GUIDE2Day 2: Climate Maps: Food Systems•Read:Students read theshortarticle “Data Investigation: Food Systems” to explore data that predicts how warmer temperatures will affect crops in different regions,and then complete the Data Investigation: Food Systemsactivity. Ask them to discuss with a partner how they think agriculturecould be a part of the solution to climate change in the future.•Write: Students craft a short paragraph response answering thisquestion: How might future climate conditions reshape regions and affect how people live, move, and use resources?oSample answer: Future climate conditions are likely to reshape regions by making some places harder to live in because of climate impacts such asrising sea levels and more-frequent extreme heat. Coastal areas may experience flooding that threatens homes and infrastructure, while hotter regions could face water shortages and health risks. As a result, people may need to move to safer areas, change how land is used, and find new ways to manage resources like water and energy. These changes show how shifts in climate can directly affect where people live and how they interact with their environment.Optional Research ExtensionStudents can explore data around the different impacts of climate change based on geography using this tool.The Direct Impacts Researchactivity can help structure their research as they learn more.Explore FurtherWant more? Check out these resources:•Activity: Mapping a Climate Future•Activity: Data Warm-Up