Derivatives Lesson: Evaluating NYC Climate Trends
Created by Teacher(s): Sol Giesso|Published on: May 30, 2026
Grades: 11, 12, AP
Type: Lesson Plan
Subjects: Mathematics
Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes
Created by: New York Climate Education Hub teachers
Region: Global, New York
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
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This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
In this lesson, students apply calculus concepts, including derivatives, to analyze climate change trends using real-world data, then collaborate to synthesize their findings into a report that informs and inspires climate action.
Inquire: Students explore the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and consider how modeling is used for understanding climate change.
Investigate: Students calculate and interpret derivatives of CO₂ emissions plus one extra dataset (Arctic sea-ice cover extent, NYC average annual temperature, or NYC relative sea-level rise).
Inspire: In groups, students synthesize their findings from across datasets into an IPCC-style report to persuade policymakers to take climate action.
Share: This lesson plan is licensed under Creative Commons.
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Sol Giesso
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Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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