Ecosystems and Climate

Collaborators sort a set of cards into biotic and abiotic categories. Then, as a class, they discuss their work and relate each of the abiotic components to climate change. Finally, they form a web of components by connecting those that...

Climate change is a hot topic in the news. Class members examine carbon dioxide data to analyze trends of our atmospheric makeup over time. They also discuss climate and climate change, and determine how these changes are affecting life...

Students analyze the impact of climate variability and change utilizing a broad span of topics over a wide range of grade levels. This three activity unit is easily adapted for the various instructional levels listed.

The warm-up is not relevant, since by the time you reach the end of a unit on climate change, most will not feel that it is good for humans. The thought-provoking questions, however, make a poignant class discussion about its effects. A...

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas—especially if you live south of the equator! Through an analysis of ocean currents, learners map four major ecosystem zones and then answer questions that ask them to analyze climate, seasons, and...

Here is an extensive reading resource that addresses our climate change crisis. It thoroughly explains the greenhouse effect, related Earth cycles, and the history of climate change. Use it as part of the intended unit, published by the...

Pupils examine the potential impact of climate change to agriculture, coastal areas, forests, water, and human health. They hypothesize what might happen to a sugar maple forest and hold a debate about global warming.

Is it really that big of a deal if the global climate undergoes a little change? Young environmentalists consider this very question as they discuss in small groups the impact of different climate change scenarios on their lives, their...

A respectful resource is available to support your ecology lecture. Introduce the population concepts of limiting factors and carrying capacity and then examine the example of a deer population in northern Arizona. Take a look at the...

Begin a full lesson on climate change by demonstrating how carbon dioxide gas contributes to increased temperatures. Be aware that pressure inside the antacid-containing bottle in Activity 2 may cause the lid to fly off; keep viewers at...