National Standards:
- Math: Data Analysis and Probability
- Geography: Places and Regions
- Science Content: A Science as Inquiry
- Science Content: D Earth and Space Science
- Science Content: E Science and Technology
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AP Environmental Science Topics
- Impacts and consequences of global warming
- Latitude
- Weather and climate
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Virginia Standards of Learning:
- ES.1c: The student will plan and conduct investigations in which scales, diagrams, maps, charts, graphs, tables, and profiles are constructed and interpreted.
- ES.2c: The student will demonstrate scientific reasoning and logic by comparing different scientific explanations for a set of observations about the Earth.
- ES.11a: The student will investigate and understand that oceans are complex, interactive physical, chemical, and biological systems and are subject to long- and short-term variations. Key concepts include physical and chemical changes (tides, waves, currents, sea level and ice cap variations, upwelling, and salinity variations).
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Prerequisite
- Familiarity with Excel or other graphing software
- Familiarity with coordinates of latitude and longitude
- Familiarity with reading line graphs and components of a graph
- Introduction to Climate Change and Temperature Scales
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Tools
- Computer with Internet access
- Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet software
- Printer
- Index cards
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Vocabulary: |
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Lesson Links:
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Background:
While you may be more familiar with daily weather patterns, scientists are more concerned with climate patterns and the changes that may be foreshadowed. Many claims have been made about the evidence for or against global warming, yet whether the interpretation of the data points leans towards fact or fiction, a more descriptive term to use is global climate change. The most hard-hit area where global climate change is apparent is within the Arctic Circle. In this lesson, you will explore data from the Arctic, develop relationships between parameters and make conclusions based on the collected evidence.
This lesson makes use of a method called card sorting. A typical card sort is an activity in which you are given a set of index cards with a single concept written on each card and asked to organize the cards by grouping related concepts. The method fosters critical thinking and adds elements of inquiry as you use them to analyze and interpret data. The data will be pulled from the Live Access Server where a host of data relating to climate may be explored. |
Procedure:
1. Click on the Live Access Server link above to access the data for each of the four parameters:
a. Cryosphere, Monthly Snow Ice Amount (ISCCP)
b. Oceans, Weekly Sea Surface Temperature (MSCCT)
c. Atmosphere, Atmospheric Temperature, Monthly Near-Surface Air Temperature (ISCCP)
d. Land Surface, Surface Cover, Surface Scene Type (CERES SARB)
For each of the first three data sets, Select View: Time Series, Select Output: ASCII text file. For the time series (line plots), use the full time range available, and select coordinates (1.2 W, 78.8 N) or somewhere of interest in the Arctic Circle. Click Next to view output and be sure pop-up blockers are turned off.
On the last data set, Select View: Latitude-Longitude map, Select Output: Color Plot. Choose the same region in the Arctic.
2. Import the three text data files and graph each data set in Excel to make a line plot. For instructions on how to do this, please see the lesson link above. You will also have the one color plot.
3. Change the size of your graphs so all four fit neatly onto one page, then print it. Cut out the graphs if you wish for easier manipulation.
4. Write your own summary for each data set on an index card. Also write each of the four questions below on an index card.
5. Analyze each graph and answer the question on the card.
6. Using your cards, prepare a written conclusion relating amount of sea ice, sea surface temperature, near surface air temperature and surface type. Conclude whether the Arctic is experiencing climate change and how this may or may not affect the rest of the planet. |
Questions:
1. How much of the Arctic Circle is ice or water? How much is land?
2. How do the amount of sea ice and sea surface temperature compare?
3. How do the amount of sea ice and near surface air temperature compare?
4. How do the sea surface temperature and near surface air temperature compare? |
Extensions:
1. Explore why the Arctic might warm faster than other parts of the Earth.
2. Compare Earth and Mars Ice Caps (see lesson link).
3. Summarize, analyze and compare LAS data sets on greenhouse gas amounts. |
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Lesson plan contributed by Lynee Zajac Beck, Arvada, Colorado
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Click here for Teachers Notes |
