This interactive digital lab is divided into four sections where students explore the evidence of climate change, learn about extreme weather and climate variability, and use climate models to analyze and predict future climate conditions.
This lab is thorough and includes several ways for students to assess their learning throughout the activity.
The included videos, interactive media, and data in the linked websites will give students a well-rounded understanding of the material.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should be comfortable with data sets, graphs, maps, models, and following complex directions.
Students will need access to a computer and Internet connection for this lab.
The linked resources and models provide data that is continuously updated from NOAA, NASA, and NCAR to provide students with current information and data, even though one of the questions discusses an older report.
Differentiation
This lab will be best suited in science classes, but could also be utilized in math or computer science classes working with data sets and mathematical modeling.
Each lab section can be done separately, so include them as they fit in with your content.
This lab is well suited as a multi-lesson unit in which students work on each section separately.
For students working in groups, assign each student a different task to change in the models, then have the group members compare their findings.
Formatively assess student learning by choosing one question from each section to have students reflect and respond.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Technical Education Research Centers (TERC)
Technical Education Research Centers (TERC) is an independent research-based nonprofit organization. They are dedicated to inspiring and engaging learners through stimulating research, materials and tool development, and professional development.