Students will compare temperature and precipitation graphs for various U.S. locations to look for patterns in geographical influence on climate, then collect data for a location of their choice and create their own climatogram.

Climate Change Online Lab

Primary Topic:

Weather and Climate

Subtopics:

Climate, Human Impact

Type:

Lesson Plan

Audience:

Formal, 6 - 8

Standards:

ESS2.D

Keywords:

carbon dioxide, sea level, sea ice, land ice, global temperatures

Summary:

In this activity, students will learn about Earth’s climate vital signs. They will use NASA’s Climate Change website to learn about the factors that scientists use to understand changes in our climate.

Climate Change Inquiry Lab

Primary Topic:

Weather and Climate

Subtopics:

Climate, Human Impact

Type:

Lesson Plan

Audience:

Formal, 6 - 8

Standards:

ESS2.D

Keywords:

sea level rise, carbon dioxide, sea ice, land ice, global temperatures

Summary:

In this lesson, students will conduct labs investigate the drivers of climate change, including adding carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, sea level rise, and the effect of decreasing sea ice on temperatures.

Global Energy Budget

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Earth Systems, Climate, Energy Cycle

Type:

Lesson Plan

Audience:

Formal, 6 - 8

Standards:

ESS2.D

Keywords:

energy budget, albedo, reflection, absorption, radiation, unequal heating

Summary:

In this lesson, students will explore (through labs, videos, and a simulation) how energy from the sun is absorbed, reflected and radiated back out into space as part of the Earth’s energy budget.

Weather & Climate iQuest

Primary Topic:

Weather and Climate

Subtopics:

Weather, Climate, Human Impact, Energy Cycle, Satellites, Remote Sensing

Type:

Interactive

Audience:

Formal, 6 - 8

Standards:

ESS2.C, ESS2.D

Keywords:

global warming, extreme weather

Summary:

This IQuest has been developed to help you explore the wild and changing world of weather and climate. Weather and climate are shaped by complex interactions involving sunlight, the ocean, the atmosphere, clouds, ice, land, and life forms.

Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Sciences

Primary Topic:

Weather and Climate

Subtopics:

Earth Systems, Water & Life, Climate, Societal Applications, Freshwater Resources, World Health

Type:

Article

Audience:

Formal, 9 - 12, General

Standards:

ESS3.A

Keywords:

climate literacy, climate science

Summary:

This booklet presents important information for individuals and communities to understand Earth's climate, impacts of climate change, and approaches for adapting and mitigating change.

Energy Literacy: Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts for Energy Education

Primary Topic:

Weather and Climate

Subtopics:

Climate, Human Impact, Energy Cycle, Societal Applications

Type:

Article

Audience:

Formal, 9 - 12, General

Standards:

ESS3.A

Keywords:

energy, climate change

Summary:

This is a downloadable high-resolution booklet that will give the educator in-depth background information on energy concepts. This booklet is a joint project of the Department of Energy and The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Launchpad: Global Warming - How Humans are Affecting Our Planet

Primary Topic:

Weather and Climate

Subtopics:

Climate, Human Impact, Energy Cycle

Type:

Video

Audience:

Informal, Formal, 9 - 12, 6 - 8

Standards:

ESS2.A, ESS3.D

Keywords:

climate change, greenhouse effect, atmosphere, greenhouse gases, energy budget, radiation budget

Summary:

Learn how the greenhouse effect keeps more of the sun's heat and energy within Earth's atmosphere causing temperatures on Earth to rise. This video explains the effect warmer temperatures are playing on Earth.