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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
- K-Cup Pods Aren’t Recyclable, S.E.C. Says
- 5 Climate Questions for the Candidates Ahead of the Presidential Debate
- Where Trump and Harris Stand on the Issues, From Abortion to Immigration
- The Trade-Off for Mountain Tranquillity in California? Increasing Fire Risk.
- 7 Takeaways From the Seemingly Endless Fire Season
- Raising Kids in the Shadow of Doom
- Kuwait Turns to Power Cuts as Climate Change Strains Its Grid
Climate Change News from The Guardian
- Brazilian president flies into Amazon amid alarm over droughts and wildfires
- Italy’s Marmolada glacier could disappear by 2040, experts say
- Hurricane warnings in effect as US Gulf coast braces for Tropical Storm Francine
- G20 countries turning backs on fossil fuel pledge, say campaigners
- We examined anti-protest laws across the west. Britain stood out, and not in a good way | Linda Lakhdhir
- ‘Two incredible extreme events’: Antarctic sea ice on cusp of record winter low for second year running
- Rich countries silencing climate protest while preaching about rights elsewhere, says study
Climate Solutions from Union of Concerned Scientists
- Newsom Can Continue His Climate Leadership by Signing These Three Bills
- Climate Plans for Aging US Must Focus on Higher Risks to Older Adults
- Solutions to Rising Cost of Climate Change in California Should Include Passage of Prop 4
- Seven Years after Hurricane María, in Puerto Rico You Can’t Even Count on Keeping the Lights On
- A siete años del huracán María, en Puerto Rico no se puede contar ni con el servicio eléctrico
- Heat, Flooding, and Fire Overwhelming Halfway through 2024 Danger Season
- Care for Endangered Seabirds Continues Amid a 51-Year Legacy of Optimism
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.