Using Data to Predict Bleaching Events. In this EarthLabs activity, learners explore the concepts of coral bleaching, bleaching hot spots and degree-heating weeks. Using data products from NOAA's Coral Reef Watch, students identify bleaching hot spots and degree-heating weeks around the globe as well as in the Florida Keys' Sombrero Reef to determine the impact higher-than-normal sea surface temperatures have on coral reefs. Activity takes about 2-3 class periods. Computer and internet access is required. Discuss this Resource»Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness» Topics Grade Level Regional Focus Climate LiteracyAbout Teaching Climate Literacy Changes in climate conditions can affect the health and function of ecosystems and the survival of entire species. About Teaching Principle 3 Other materials addressing 3c Ecosystems on land and in the ocean have been and will continue to be disturbed by climate change.
About Teaching Principle 7 Other materials addressing 7e Teaching Tips About the Science. NT Waterwatch Kit. Witness King Tides. We need coastal communities around Australia to take a photo or two as part of the Witness King Tides project. Your photos of the king tide will build a picture of the threat posed by sea level rise for our communities and help track the future impact of climate change. Sea level rise will impact our coastal communities in the coming years and it is important that Australians are informed and engaged on this issue. Witness King Tides is a fun community photography project that helps us visualise the potential future impacts of sea level rise and current risks today. Having this visual collection of images could help us be better prepared for a future where sea levels are higher than they are today.
If we can envisage future change, we can plan and prepare for it now. 2012/13 King Tide times Map Data Map data ©2013 Google, MapIT Imagery ©2013 NASA, TerraMetrics See the photos on a map When will it happen? See the map above to see when the king tide is expected in your area. Tide Trackers More. Glaciers Then and Now. In this activity, students compare two photographs (with time spans of 30-100 years between photos) of specific Alaskan glaciers to observe how glaciers have changed over the time interval.
Activity is a good kickoff for learning about glaciology - how and why glaciers form, grow and shrink, and their relation to climate change. Activity takes one to two class periods. Discuss this Resource»Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness» Topics Grade Level A little simplistic for 8th grade but very suitable for grades 6-7. Regional Focus Teaching Tips Students would be likely to learn more from the activity and be better able to respond to the discussion questions if they did their own investigation of the nature of glaciers worldwide, using the resources provided at the end of the activity.
About the Science The background information on glacier formation is minimal and needs to be supplemented by the educator. About the Pedagogy Technical Details/Ease of Use Join the Discussion. Changing Planet: Sea Levels Rising Classroom Activity. For background information on sea level rise, watch Changing Planet: Rising Sea Levels. Also explore these topics on the Windows to the Universe website at the links listed below.Depending on time and interest this lesson can be done in its entirety or it may be done in pieces. The student worksheet has been set up to facilitate these lesson options. Gather supplies and print out and copy a student worksheet for each student.Part I - If students have no familiarity with topographic maps, it is suggested they start with an Activity like USGS's What Do Maps Show?
Unit, Lesson 4—How to Read a Topographic Map. Assess student abilities to work together as a team, create and interpret topographic maps, analyze graphs and data plots, as well as apply learned information to make solid deductions about the social, economic and natural repercussions of sea level rise on coastal communities. Use safe laboratory practices at all times. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. How does global warming cause sea level to rise? How Does Melting Ice Affect Sea Level? In this activity, students investigate how sea levels might rise when ice sheets and ice caps melt by constructing a pair of models and seeing the effects of ice melt in two different situations. Students should use their markers to predict the increase of water in each box before the ice melts. Activity takes one hour. Additional materials required. Discuss this Resource»Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness» Grade Level Regional Focus Climate LiteracyAbout Teaching Climate Literacy Melting of ice sheets and glaciers, combined with the thermal expansion of seawater as the oceans warm, is causing sea level to rise.
About Teaching Principle 7 Other materials addressing 7a Excellence in Environmental Education Guidelines About the Science Activity effectively models difference between melting sea ice vs land ice. About the Pedagogy The illustrated directions for students are exceptionally well done and each step is accompanied by excellent images to guide students.