In this lesson, students will investigate the drivers of climate change, including adding carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, sea level rise, and the effect of decreasing sea ice on temperatures.

Explore the energy and matter cycles found within the Earth System. 

Earth is a system of systems.

Students explore positive feedback effects of changing albedo from melting Arctic sea ice.

Students watch a short video to gather information about sources of methane emissions and then extend their understanding of these sources to evaluate monthly trends in the Alaska region, ultimately making connections to Earth’s energy budget.

Chemists study atomic and molecular structures and their interactions. 

Background information on snow and ice extent.

This activity is one of a series in the collection, The Potential Consequences of Climate Variability and Change activities.