C-ROADS is a free computer simulator that helps people understand the long-term climate impacts of national and regional greenhouse gas emission reductions at the global level.
This simulator helps the learner understand the impact of the emissions reduction pledges proposed by countries to the United Nations.
It offers global, 3-region, and 6-region modes in order to test national and regional emission reduction policies.
Teaching Tips
Positives
The simulator can be used online and also as a desktop app (Windows and MAC).
It is completely free to use.
It is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish, Japanese, and Korean.
Additional Prerequisites
The C-ROADS online simulator comes with a user guide which should be studied and used by the educator before trying it out with the students. There is a lot of information in the help section including text and video guides.
Although the Simulator can be used and viewed in the 8 languages listed above, the user guide is only available in English.
Differentiation
This resource could be used in civics classes as a policy workshop or role-playing game.
In geography or social studies courses, this simulator can be used to assess the impact different regions can have on reducing global climate change.
Groups of learners can be encouraged to register for a world climate event. It can be promoted within the school or as a local or regional event.
The En-ROADS Climate Solutions Simulator is a similar interactive site that allows students to explore a wide range of potential climate change solutions.
Scientist Notes
C-ROADS is an older version of En-ROADS, but it's also useful to simulate future greenhouse gas emissions. The simulator will provide educators and students the platform to input data and observe changes. All the parameters used have been tested. It is valid for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
HS-ESS3-3 Create a computational simulation to illustrate the relationships among management of natural resources, the sustainability of human populations, and biodiversity.
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.
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 2: Civics
D2.Civ.13.9-12 Evaluate public policies in terms of intended and unintended outcomes, and related consequences.
Dimension 2: Geography
D2.Geo.12.9-12 Evaluate the consequences of human-made and natural catastrophes on global trade, politics, and human migration.
Dimension 4: Taking Informed Action
D4.6.9-12 Use disciplinary and interdisciplinary lenses to understand the characteristics and causes of local, regional, and global problems; instances of such problems in multiple contexts; and challenges and opportunities faced by those trying to address these problems over time and place.
