Understanding Climate Change and How We Can Help

Introduction

Have you ever wondered why the weather seems to be changing, why some places experience stronger storms, or why temperatures are becoming hotter? Imagine waking up one morning and noticing that the weather is much hotter than usual. You may also notice stronger storms, heavier rainfall, droughts, or changes in the environment around you. These are some of the changes that can be connected to climate change. Climate change is one of the important environmental issues affecting people, animals, and communities around the world. 

But how much do you really know about climate change? What causes it? How does it affect people and the environment? Most importantly, what can we do to help?

Get ready to explore, learn, and discover how even small actions can make a difference in caring for our planet!

Task

Your task is to become an environmental researcher. You will investigate climate change using the online resources provided.

(Before creating your output, search online for examples of infographics to understand what an infographic looks like and how information can be presented visually. An infographic is a visual way of presenting information using short text, images, graphics, charts, or other visual elements to make information easier to understand.)

At the end of the activity, you will create an infographic that presents:

  1. What climate change is;
  2. The major causes of climate change;
  3. Its effects on people and the environment; and
  4. At least five things students can do to help reduce its effects.

Your output should be clear, informative, creative, and based on reliable sources.

Process

Follow these steps to complete your activity:

Step 1: Learn About Climate Change

Read the provided online resources about climate change. Identify the meaning of climate change and understand how it happens.

Step 2: Identify the Causes

Find out what human activities contribute to climate change. Take note of at least three major causes.

Step 3: Explore the Effects

Research how climate change affects people, animals, plants, and the environment. Identify at least three important effects.

Step 4: Think of Solutions

Find ways that individuals, students, schools, and communities can help address climate change. List at least five practical actions.

Step 5: Create Your Output

Using the information you gathered, create a infographic about climate change.

Your output should include:

  • Title
  • Definition of climate change
  • Causes
  • Effects
  • Ways students can help
  • Sources or references

Step 6: Share and Reflect

Present your infographic to your classmates. After presenting, answer these questions:

  • What is the most important thing you learned about climate change?
  • Which action can you personally do to help the environment?
  • Why is it important for students to learn about climate change?

Resources

Use the following reliable websites to complete your Activity:

  • NASA Climate Kids – information about climate change and the environment
  • United Nations – information about climate action and climate change
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – information about causes and effects of climate change
  • National Geographic Education – educational information about climate change

You should use the information from these websites as references when creating your output.

Evaluation

Your infographic will be graded using the following rubric:

Criteria

4 – Excellent

3 – Good

2 – Fair

1 – Needs Improvement

Accuracy of Information

All information about climate change is accurate and well-explained.

Most information is accurate and clearly explained.

Some information is unclear or inaccurate.

Information contains many errors.

Completeness

Includes all required information about climate change, its effects, and possible solutions.

Includes most of the required information.

Some important information is missing.

Many required details are missing.

Clarity and Organization

Ideas are presented clearly and arranged in a logical order.

Ideas are mostly clear and organized.

Some ideas are difficult to follow.

Ideas are unclear and poorly organized.

Creativity and Visual Appeal

The poster/infographic is attractive, creative, and uses visuals effectively.

The output is attractive and shows creativity.

The output shows some creativity but needs improvement.

The output lacks creativity and visual appeal.

Use of Sources

Uses reliable sources and properly acknowledges them.

Uses reliable sources with minor errors.

Uses limited sources or has incomplete references.

Sources are missing or unreliable.

Total: 20 points

Grading Scale:

  • 18–20 – Excellent
  • 15–17 – Good
  • 12–14 – Satisfactory
  • 11 and below – Needs Improvement

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have now completed the activity on Climate Change. Through this activity, you learned about what climate change is, its causes and effects, and how it affects people and the environment. You also discovered different ways that students can help protect the environment. You also had the opportunity to explore online resources, gather information, and use what you learned to create an infographic.

After completing your infographic, reflect on the information you gathered and the process you followed. Think about what you learned, what you found interesting, and how you can apply this knowledge in your daily life. Remember that understanding climate change is an important step toward making responsible choices for the environment.