The Very Simple Climate Model Activity

Provided by: UCAR Center for Science Education |Published on: September 28, 2022

Lesson Plans

9101112AP

Scientist Reviewed ↗

Synopsis

This interactive activity will get students thinking about carbon emissions, global average temperatures, amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and using climate models to explore solutions.
Students will learn how the climate model works through exploration and discussion, use the model to test different climate scenarios, and share their findings with classmates.

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Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Computer Science

Authors: UCAR Center for Science Education

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

The provided instructions are thorough and easy to follow.
Students will complete this activity with a good understanding of the impact of carbon emissions and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

Additional Prerequisites

Materials needed for this activity include computers or tablets, paper, writing utensils, and presentation materials (posters or digital presentation software).
Students should be comfortable reading graphs.

Differentiation

Cross-curricular connections can be made in language arts classes working on public speaking or communicating technical or scientific information and in social studies classes considering the roles of individuals and governments in reducing carbon emissions.
Use the additional sample model runs included in the Teaching Tips section of the resource to extend learning.
Several extension activities and resources are included at the bottom of the resource for additional learning on this important topic.
To extend the lesson for science and math students, have them investigate other climate models, learn about how climate data is gathered, and analyze the solutions to climate change using this interactive table of solutions.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

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Resource Type and Format

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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The Very Simple Climate Model Activity

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

Scientist Reviewed

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