Introduction
Climate change, also called global warming, refers to the rise in average surface temperatures on Earth. An overwhelming scientific consensus maintains that climate change is due primarily to the human use of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the air.
Beginning late in the 18th century, human activities associated with the Industrial Revolution also changed the composition of the atmosphere and therefore are influencing the Earth's climate.
YOUR QUEST is to determine how can we measure climate change and what are the main human activities that contribute to it.
Task
One way or another, our time on Earth is limited.
You and your Science Hero Teams, as members of S.C.I.E.N.C.E (Systematic Comprehensive Investigation and Exploration of Nature Causes and Effects) are one of the best shots humanity has to survive the next 100 years. To that end, you need first to comprehend the biggest and most urgent environmental challenge we are facing: the climate change.
You need to research climate change and what humans are doing to affect this pattern. You are required to:
- Complete a questionnaire
- Research the data using the web
- Present the information efficiently to the other SHTs
Process
How much do you really know about climate control and Global Warming?
Did you even know that human's impact this change?
Not really sure what information you're looking for?
First things first....
TASK #1: Individual Warming (homework)
Complete the following pre-quest quiz from National Geographic. Test your knowledge of Global Warming! Access the Quiz here!
How'd you do? Decided you need to learn a little more before you start your quest? Thought so! Click here for more information!
Now that you are more familiar with the topic, it’s time for you to start your research.
TASK #2: Team Warming (classwork)
Research online and compile data that reflects the rapid effects of climate change during the last century.
Research online and gather the 3 main human activities that nowadays are contributing to accelerate climate change.
Record your findings in a notebook and document where you found your information. Make a tier list prioritizing the most relevant data. You will need this information to complete a final presentation.
TASK #3: Global Communication
In order to foster global awareness, we’ll communicate the findings of our investigation to the other SHTs. Thus, you’ll create and perform a presentation that must include the following:
- Minimum of 7 slides
- Detailed chart showing percentages of human impact (causes and effects) on climate change.
- Images relevant to the topic.
- Some interaction with the audience.
- Balanced creativity and colour (no boring white slides nor stressing shiny contrasts).
- Each member of the team must participate orally on the presentation.
- Works cited.
- The oral presentation must last between 3-5 minutes.
Evaluation
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| 3.1. Orally express brief and simple texts, prepared in advance, about everyday issues of relevance to students, guidedly using verbal and non-verbal resources, and using frequent basic forms and structures. |
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3.2. Guidedly selecting and applying knowledge and strategies to prepare and produce texts suited to the communicative intentions, the contextual characteristics and the textual typology, using, with help, physical or digital resources on role of the task and needs of every moment. |
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3.4. Guidedly select and use, from everyday situations, elementary strategies to greet, say goodbye and introduce oneself; ask and answer simple questions; express messages, and initiate and terminate communication. |
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Conclusion
The climate change is perhaps the most important challenge in all of human history. Learning what causes climate change and what human behaviours perpetuate it’s paramount to determine how can we control this process and, hence, survive and continue thriving.
Progressive change can only be achieved through awareness, understanding and action. You have now taken the firsts and most important steps in the process of becoming a positive force for change in your world. Your future begins now.
Credits
Sergi Llorente Romero
slloren1@xtec.cat
Teacher Page
In order to undertake task #2 and prepare the final presentation, this NASA web page will be very useful. As a teacher, you can provide it to students in the manner you see appropiate.