Global Air Temperature Graph: Student Activity
Provided by: My NASA Data|Published on: April 27, 2021|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Activity - Classroom
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Mathematics
Authors: My NASA Data
Location: Earth
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 →
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 math game, students analyze a graph showing air temperature changes over time and identify trends.
- Students use "data literacy cubes" and differentiated question sets to guide their exploration.
- Students take turns rolling the cube and answering the corresponding question from the Graph Cube Question Sheet. This is repeated until all questions are answered.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This activity is great to use as a warm-up task, hook, or bell ringer.
- The cube and question sets could be used to analyze other graphs as well.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with the concept of global surface temperature.
- The teacher needs time to prepare the cubes. Alternatively, teachers can use dice or virtual dice instead of the cube.
- Teachers can request access to the answer keys via email.
Differentiation
- This can be used as an individual or group activity.
- The question sheets are leveled to provide easy differentiation for teachers. The sheets are labeled with a letter: A for beginner, B for intermediate, C for advanced, and D for English Language Learners.
- This activity can be done virtually by using a virtual dice application instead of the cube and using the provided google forms instead of the question sheets.
- Teachers could expand on this activity by having students interpret other graphs using the same process. Possible graphs teachers could use include Trends in Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide, Coal Production, Coal Consumption, and Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
The resource simplifies the relative temperature change using annual averages, simulation will guide students to explore and understand these changes and predict future global surface temperature change. Educators should note that the interval is 1880-2020 and not 1952-1980. This resource is valid, suitable, and recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
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