Unit Overview
How do natural factors contribute to changes in Earth’s temperature? What are 99.9% of climate scientists seeing in historical climate data that makes them so sure humans are the cause of climate change today, and why does it matter?
Climate change is occurring today and it is already having vast implications for humans and the natural environment. While climate change has occurred in the past due to natural factors, there is a consensus among 99.9% of climate scientists that today’s climate crisis is different because humans are the cause and therefore have the ability to take action that will mitigate changes and consequences. It is crucial that the public is empowered with knowledge and understanding of the problem in order to catalyze the policy and behavioral changes needed to avoid the worst of future climate scenarios.
Performance Expectations:
HS-ESS1-7, HS-ESS2-2, HS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-6, HS-ESS3-1, HS-ESS3-5
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Unit Storyline
Unit Opening
The Seasons (Optional 3E)
Earth-Sun Dynamics
Climate Feedbacks
The Past and the Future
Unit Closing
How do natural factors contribute to changes in Earth’s temperature? What are 99.9% of climate scientists seeing in historical climate data that makes them so sure humans are the cause of climate change today, and why does it matter?
How does the annual cycle of the Earth around the sun create seasonal temperature variations?
What was the planet’s orbit like in the past and what is it like now? Can these factors explain climate change in the past? Do they contribute to climate change today?
What is causing global temperatures to rise, and why is the Arctic warming at almost 4 times the rate as the rest of the globe?
Have humans experienced dramatic climate change in the past? How have human populations been impacted by climate change, and how can that inform how we might be impacted by it in the future?
How do natural factors contribute to changes in Earth’s temperature? What are 99.9% of climate scientists seeing in historical climate data that makes them so sure humans are the cause of climate change today, and why does it matter?
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Essential Documents
A collection of printable materials required for activities, rubrics, and work samples for the unit.