Climate Change Mini Unit Resources

Climate Change Mini Unit for NGSS MS ESS3-5

In the Climate Change mini unit, students generate questions about graphs of Earth’s average surface temperature and the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  They build models of atmospheres on Earth, Mars and Venus and determine how atmosphere impacts climate.  Students research carbon sinks and sources and find answers to one of their own climate questions.  Extension activities take a step back and look for all of the positive things happening to combat climate change.  Students then share their positive findings in an original collage!

Anchor Phenomenon Ideas:  The opening images of this mini unit can easily be used to generate authentic student questions about climate change.  Any recent article or news clip about the changing climate would also be good anchors. We find that middle school students are passionate about this issue and find the topic relevant to their future.

Enrichment Ideas:  If students are ready to take on an additional academic challenge, ask them research local species that have been or will be directly affected by the changing climate in the near future.  What is currently being done to help these species?  What more can be done?  Are there any positive local effects of a changing climate?

Tips and Tricks:  While most students understand the role that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases play in climate change, they may need more guidance about how carbon cycles through Earth.  Here is a one minute video from NOAA.

These links to NOAA's monthly CO2 measurements and NASA's average global temperature data can be used for easy reference as students generate their own questions at the end of their packet.