Investigating Local Climate Change Impacts (Grade 9)

“Your coastal town is experiencing higher tides, more frequent flooding, and unusual weather patterns. How can you investigate these changes using reliable online resources and present a plan to your community?”

• Find evidence from at least 3 online sources about a local climate indicator (e.g., temperature, rainfall, flooding).
• Make a 5–7 minute presentation (slides, poster, or short video) and a one-page community brief with 2–3 recommendations.

1. Form groups of 3–4 and pick roles.
2. Find credible local data sources (government portals, university sites).
3. Look for trends and note uncertainties.
4. Create visuals and tell a clear local story.
5. Write the community brief with practical ideas.
6. Peer review each other’s work.

Resources 

Local climate data portals (credible sources for local indicators)

• NOAA Climate Data Online (CDO): https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/search
• National Weather Service Climate Data Online (Murdoch et al. data portals): https://www.weather.gov/climate
• EPA Climate Change Indicators in the United States: https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators
• NASA Global Climate Change: https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/

Climate explainers and context (student-friendly, reputable)

• NASA Climate Kids (kid-friendly explanations): https://climatekids.nasa.gov/
• IPCC Sixth Assessment Report summaries (for high-level context): https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/
• USGS Climate and Weather Resources: https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/climate-and-land-use-change

Data visualization and presentation tools (for student work)

• Google Sheets (spreadsheets and charts): https://sheets.google.com
• Canva (easy visuals for posters/slides): https://www.canva.com
• Lakik Maps or simple mapping tools (optional): https://www.google.com/maps

• Research quality (40%)
  • Relevance, reliability of sources, data interpretation, correct citing
• Data analysis and reasoning (20%)
  • Clear trend identification, connections to local context
• Communication (20%)
  • Clarity of visuals, logical narrative, audience suitability
• Collaboration (10%)
  • Roles, contributions, and reflection
• Reflection and impact (10%)
  • Insights from process, limitations, and suggested actions
    
    Adapt the rubric to your grading policy and provide descriptors for each level (e.g., Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement).

• Reflect on what the group learned about local climate impacts, data credibility, and the process of turning data into actionable community information. “What steps can our community take now, given the evidence?”