Data Snapshots Maps

Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Earth and Space Sciences, Geography

Provided by NOAA

What it is

This NOAA site provides downloadable map images of annual global temperatures (as a departure from a 40-year average) dating back to 1880.
It also provides frequently asked questions about the maps and links to additional information.

Positives

Additional Prerequisites

Make sure students are familiar with data representing a departure from "normal" and how that can change, depending on what data range you choose as your baseline.

Differentiation

One option for using this site would be to allow students to openly investigate. You could use what they find to drive classroom discussion and further learning.
Another option would be to craft instructions and questions for students to respond to about a specific map or set of maps.

There is no contradiction in the resource. This resource is recommended.

Hosted on climate.gov

Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.

Standards alignment · MS-ESS2-5. + 5 more

Core Standards legacy

MS-ESS2-5.MS-ESS2-5. Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses results in changes in weather conditions.
MS-ESS2-6.MS-ESS2-6. Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating and rotation of the Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates.
MS-ESS3-5.MS-ESS3-5. Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.
HS-ESS2-2.HS-ESS2-2. Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth’s surface can create feedbacks that cause changes to other Earth systems.
HS-ESS3-5.HS-ESS3-5. Analyze geoscience data and the results from global climate models to make an evidence-based forecast of the current rate of global or regional climate change and associated future impacts to Earth systems.
HS-ESS3-6.HS-ESS3-6. Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.