6-8 Chemistry and Earth Science Teacher
This lesson gives students the opportunity to experience a simplified version of how mathematicians and scientists use data analysis and statistics to determine how much our planet is warming due to climate change. Students will create a data table and scatter plot and use linear regression to make predictions about the future.
Step 1 - Inquire: Students look at a global temperature anomaly graph and discuss how this graph shows a trend of warming temperatures.
Step 2 - Investigate: Students analyze real-world temperature data from a city by creating a data table and scatter plot.
Step 3 - Inspire: Students connect what they discovered about their city to the overall trend of rising temperatures.
In this lesson, students are introduced to biomass energy and use algebra to calculate the amount of land needed to produce biofuel using different plants.
Step 1 - Inquire: Students watch a video on biofuels and discuss how biofuels are similar to or different from other renewable energy sources.
Step 2 - Investigate: Students complete real-world math problems that compare the amount of land needed for various biofuel crops.
Step 3 - Inspire: Students explore the current use of biomass in their region using this map and discuss potential benefits and drawbacks to increasing biomass energy in their community.
In this lesson, students use what they have learned about renewable energy to create their own plan to implement green energy in their community.
Step 1 - Inquire: Students watch the short video Can 100% Renewable Energy Power the World? and discuss their opinions regarding the viability of renewable energy completely powering their community.
Step 2 - Investigate: Students draw a map of their community, create a renewable energy plan, and complete calculations to maximize the production of solar, wind, and biomass energy.
Step 3 - Inspire: Students share their plans with the class through a gallery walk and have a final discussion about the viability of using renewable energy to fully power their community.
In this lesson, students learn about climate anxiety and create a climate anxiety toolkit.
Step 1 - Inquire: Students discuss statistics about the prevalence of climate anxiety in children and young people and try out a strategy to cope with this anxiety.
Step 2 - Investigate: Students research and practice a strategy to manage anxiety and create a one-page mini-poster about this strategy.