1. Table of Contents
1. HOMEPAGE
2. INTRODUCTION
3. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT
4. OBJECTIVES/ STANDARDS
5. SIGNS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
6. ADDITIONAL RESOURCE
7. EVALUATION AND SHARING
P H O T O C R E D I T : W W W . C L I P A R T . C O M
H T T P : / / W W W . E P A . G O V / C L I M A T E S T U D E N T S . H T M L
C L I M AT E C H A N G E I S H A P P E N I N G , H U M A N S A R E C AU S I N G I T, A N D I T H I N K T H I S I S P E R H A P S T H E
M O S T S E R I O U S E N V I R O N M E N TA L I S S U E FAC I N G U S . - - - - - - - - - B I L L N Y E
EARTH SCIENCE UNIT
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
G R ADE LE VELS 9 - 1 2
(B LENDED LE ARNING P ROGRAM)

2. INTRODUCTION
The Earth's climate is
changing, and
people's activities are
the main cause.
The Earth is getting
warmer because
people are adding
heat-trapping gases to
the atmosphere,
mainly by burning
fossil fuels.
EARTH SCIENCE
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

3. Why is the Study of Climate Change
Important?
CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECTS YOU, YOUR
COMMUNITY, THE WORLD'S POPULATION,
AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
SOME OF THESE IMPACTS, LIKE
STRONGER HURRICANES AND SEVERE
HEAT WAVES, ARE LIFE THREATENING.
SUPER HURRICANE SANDY IS AN
EXAMPLE.
EARTH SCIENCE
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

4. SUBJECT: Standards/ Objectives:
National Science Education Standards
(NSES)
 Standard A: Science as Inquiry
 Standard D: Earth and Space Science
Nevada Standards
High School Earth Science –E12.A 1to 5
 E.12.A.1 Students know the Sun is the major source of Earth’s energy, and
provides the energy driving Earth’s weather and climate. E/S
 E.12.A.2 Students know the composition of Earth’s atmosphere has changed
in the past and is changing today. I/S
 E.12.A.3 Students understand the role of the atmosphere in Earth’s
greenhouse effect. E/S
 E.12.A.4 Students know convection and radiation play important roles in
moving heat energy in the Earth system. E/S
 E.12.A.5 Students know Earth’s rotation affects winds and ocean currents.
I/S
EARTH SCIENCE
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

5. The signs of global climate change
are all around us. Climate change
touches on several areas:
Health
Agriculture
Energy
Water Supplies
Plants, Animals, and Ecosystems
Coastal Areas
Recreation
Learn more by clicking on the link below:
http://www.epa.gov/climatestudents/impacts/signs/index.ht
ml
EARTH SCIENCE
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
The Signs:

6. These gases are called
greenhouse gases. As
more gases are
trapped in the
atmosphere the
warmer it gets here in
the Earth. The
increase in warmth is
causing the melting of
glaciers.
GREENHOUSE GASES
Earth Science
Global Climate Change

7. SEE THE IMPACTS
 Rain patterns are changing and sea level is
rising. As global temperatures continue to rise,
we'll see more changes in our climate and our
environment.
EARTH SCIENCE
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

8. SEE THE IMPACTS
Scorching summers...
Stronger storms...
More flooding - -
Less rain can mean less
water for some places,
while too much rain can
cause terrible flooding.
More hot days can dry up
crops and make people
and animals sick.
EARTH SCIENCE
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

9. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES :
NASA RESOURCE
Find five facts new to you
http://climatekids.nasa.gov/menu/weather-and-
climate/
Quiz Challenge
Can you answer these questions.
http://climate.nasa.gov/interactives/quizzes
Assessment for this unit:
Tests to be completed by December 19, 2012
www.edmodo.com
EARTH SCIENCE
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

10. EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT - Now it’s your turn
A) Review Glossary for Climate Change.
Complete the ASSESSMENT QUIZ and submit to the ASSIGNMENT
FOLDER http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/glossary.html
Source: Environmental Protection Agency (Click on the link.)
B) Watch the Video titled “Climate Change Basics.”
Reflect on five new facts you have learned? Post a JOURNAL ENTRY on
your reflections
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScX29WBJI3w&feature=player_detailpa
ge
Source: USEPA.gov (Click on the link.)
C) Video - Global Warming: A Way Forward: Facing Climate Change
What in your opinion would the most effective way forward?
Post your comments to the DISCUSSION BOARD. Review and comment on
at least two of your classmates.
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/environment/global-warming-
environment/way-forward-climate/Source: National Geographic
EARTH SCIENCE
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

11. EARTH SCIENCE
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
THE MATH BEHIND CLIMATE CHANGE
Concept – Data Analysis
CC (Western Regional Climate Center)
http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/lcd.html
Prepare a table and record data for five cities
in five different states shown on the map
- Record Highest temperature for the year
- Record Lowest temperature for the year
- Maximum precipitation for the given year
(You may use MS Word/ Excel, Google table)
POST TO THE ASSIGNMENT FOLDER

12. EARTH SCIENCE
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
ACTIVITY/ What You Can Do
Be a Part of the Solution!
Can you help stop global climate change?
Yes, especially when the simple steps you,
your friends, and your family take are
multiplied by millions of people all over the
world. Prepare a presentation to share with
your school community.
Use any of the Web 2.0 tools you are
familiar with to create your presentation:

13. Your presentation should include the
following information:
1. Why knowledge of what causes global
climate change is important to all people.
2. How people can help stop global
climate change
Upload your link to the discussion
board.
Resource:
http://www.epa.gov/climatestudents/solutions/actions/index.html
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION:

15. Glaciers are either one of two types: a
continental glacier, also called an
ice sheet, such as those that occur
on Antarctica, or an alpine or valley
glacier found in mountain valleys.
The photographs in this activity are
all alpine glaciers from Alaska,

16. THEN AND NOW - - -MATCH THEM

17. GLACIER INVESTIGATION
 Try to pair the before and after photos for each
glacier.
 Was it difficult to recognize them after all of
those years?
 Why do you think the glaciers have changed so
drastically?
Use this grid to pair up the photos
Glacier: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Name:
Before Year
After Year

18. DISCUSSION 1
Video - Global Warming: A Way Forward:
Facing Climate Change
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/environment/global-warming-
environment/way-forward-climate/
Source: National Geographic
In my opinion the most effective way forward would
be to - - - - -
Navigate to the discussion board and make your original
post by Sunday, May 20 and respond to at least two
other students by Wednesday, May 23. Remember to be
respectful in your responses to others.
DISCUSSION FORUM

19. Discussion 2
Climate Change Climate change, accepted by most
scientists as a combination of natural and anthropogenic
factors, has far-reaching implications for ecological
systems, human practices, and economic development.
What role can or should international and national policies
play in mitigating climate change? What is the trade-off
between economic development and ecological stability?
Navigate to the discussion board and make your original
post by Sunday, May 27 and respond to at least two
other students by Wednesday, May 30. Remember to be
respectful in your responses to others.
DISCUSSION FORUM

20. Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/climatestudents.html
NASA Climate Kids
http://climatekids.nasa.gov/menu/weather-and-climate/
http://climate.nasa.gov/interactives/quizzes
National Geographic
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/environment/global-
warming-environment/way-forward-climat
Western Regional Climate Center
http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/lcd.html
YouTube Climate Change Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScX29WBJI3w&feature=player
_detailpage
RESOURCES