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Teaching Resources for Climate Change
Classroom Activities
Introduction to Global Warming
To begin this minds-on analysis and discussion activity, students learn about the correlated increases in global temperatures and CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. Next, students evaluate an example that illustrates that correlation does not necessarily imply causation.
Then, students analyze several types of evidence to test the hypothesis that increased CO2 in the atmosphere has been a major cause of the increase in global temperatures. This activity concludes with a very brief discussion of how global warming has contributed to harmful effects (e.g., increased flooding) and possible student actions to reduce these harmful effects.
Food and Climate Change – How can we feed a growing world population without increasing global warming?
In this analysis and discussion activity, students learn how food production results in the release of three greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4). Students analyze carbon and nitrogen cycles to understand how agriculture results in increased CO2 and N2O in the atmosphere.
Students interpret data concerning the very different amounts of greenhouse gases released during the production of various types of food; they apply concepts related to trophic pyramids and they learn about CH4 release by ruminants.
Finally, students propose, research, and evaluate strategies to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that will be released during future production of food for the world’s growing population.
Global Warming News from the New York Times
- Saudi Arabia Leads Pushback Against Global Plastic Treaty
- New Orleans’ Striking Advantage in the Age of Climate Change
- Hochul Tries to Meet New York’s Climate Goals Without Provoking Trump
- Life After Death: America’s Cemeteries Are Rewilding
- Death of Cyclist in Paris Lays Bare Divide in Mayor’s War Against Cars
- Death of Cyclist in Paris Lays Bare Divide in Mayor’s War Against Cars
- Beans, Beans, Magical Beans
Climate Change News from The Guardian
- ‘It brings back memories of Aberfan’: coal tip collapse in storms sparks revolt in Welsh valley
- Is it safe to have a child? Americans rethink family planning ahead of Trump’s return
- The big idea: on Remembrance Day for Lost Species, here’s why it matters
- The week around the world in 20 pictures
- UK increases World Bank contribution, boosting climate finance prospects
- New powder that captures carbon could be ‘quantum leap’ for industry
- ‘Climate-induced poisoning’: 350 elephants probably killed by toxic water
Climate Solutions from Union of Concerned Scientists
- Chasing Glaciers: A Runner’s Quest Through a Changing Landscape
- A Busy Legislative Season in California Adds Up to a More Climate Proof Future
- The Environmental Protection Agency Needs Protecting
- Danger Season 2024: Deadly Heat Waves, Wildfires, Hurricanes and Flooding Become More Frequent as Climate Crisis Advances
- It’s Time for OSHA to Finalize a Strong Heat Health Standard to Protect Workers: Here’s How You Can Help.
- Hope Amidst the Heat: Massachusetts’ New Legislation to Combat Climate Crisis and Protect Communities
- Five Ways the Fossil Fuel Industry Tries to Co-opt UN Climate COPs
Resources for Teaching and Learning about Climate Change
This annotated list includes resources that can help your students to develop a scientifically accurate understanding of the causes and consequences of global warming and climate change. This list also includes resources for learning about how to reduce greenhouse gases and how to cope with the harmful effects of climate change. When learning about climate change, it is important for students to engage with proposals to mitigate and adapt to climate change, so they can feel energized, instead of powerless. Given the nature of the topic, the approach is interdisciplinary. These resources are appropriate for middle school, high school and/or college students.