Climate change

Global Climate Change
Resources for Environmental Literacy

Global Climate Change
Resources for Environmental Literacy

Environmental Literacy Council National Science Teachers Association

Claire Reinburg, Director Judy Cusick, Senior Editor Andrew Cocke, Associate Editor Betty Smith, Associate Editor Robin Allan, Book Acquisitions Coordinator Cover and Interior Design by LindaOlliver Printing and Production Catherine Lorrain, Director Nguyet Tran, Assistant Production Manager Jack Parker, Electronic Prepress Technician National Science Teachers Association Gerald F. Wheeler, Executive Director David Beacom, Publisher Copyright © 2007 by the National Science Teachers Association. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. 10 09 08 4 3 2 1 Library ofCongress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Global climate change: resources for environmental literacy / by Environmental Literacy Council and National Science Teachers Association. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 978-1-933531-18-2 1. Climatic changes. 2. Global warming. 3. Environmental education. I. Environmental Literacy Council. II. National Science Teachers Association. QC981.8.C5G64862006 551.6--dc22 2007009486 NSTA is committed to publishing material that promotes the best in inquiry-based science education. However, conditions of actual use may vary and the safety procedures and practices described in this book are intended to serve only as a guide. Additional precautionary measures may be required. NSTA and the author(s) do not warrant or represent that the procedure andpractices in this book meet any safety code or standard or federal, state, or local regulations. NSTA and the author(s) disclaim any liability for personal injury or damage to property arising out of or relating to the use of this book including any of the recommendations, instructions, or materials contained therein. Permission is granted in advance for photocopying brief excerpts for one-time usein a classroom or workshop. Permission requests for coursepacks, textbooks, electronic reproduction, and other commercial uses should be directed to Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Dr., Danvers, MA 01923; fax 978-646-8600; www.copyright.com. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. ESI-0243521. Any opinion, findings, and conclusions orrecommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Contents

Acknowledgments Preface F. James Rutherford Introduction About the Authors Dedication Student Learning Goals From Benchmarks for Science Literacy From National Science Education Standards Background Content forTeachers Essential Question 1: What Is the Difference Between Weather and Climate? Essential Question 2: How Does the Earth Gain and Lose Heat? Essential Question 3: What Causes the Earth’s Climate to Change? Essential Question 4: If Global Warming Is Actually Happening, What Are the Likely Consequences? Essential Question 5: If Global Warming Is ActuallyHappening, What Can Be Done About It?

vii xi

xiii xv xvii 1 1 2 5 5 6 7

12

15

Teaching Approach Activities Overview Misconceptions Assessing Student Learning Recommended Resources Books Websites Student Activities and Materials Activity 1: LEARN Activity 5: Atmospheric Processes—Radiation Activity 2: LEARNActivity 8: Differences Between Climate and Weather Activity 3: LEARN Activity 9: Climate Variability Activity 4: LEARN Activity 12: What Is a Greenhouse? Activity 5: LEARN Activity 13: What Factors Impact a Greenhouse? Activity 6: LEARN Activity 15: What Is the Carbon Cycle?

17 17 17 18 19 19 19 21 21 21 22 22 22 22

Acknowledgments

T

hese materials were the...