This video begins in the lush deltas of Bangladesh. The host of …
This video begins in the lush deltas of Bangladesh. The host of the video learns how communities are adapting to changing monsoons and dangerous sea-level rise. Floating gardens and floating schools are just the start of some of the country's innovative strategies.
Selected resources provide three web-based activities to complement science lessons in an …
Selected resources provide three web-based activities to complement science lessons in an issue of Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle. The free, online magazine for Grades K-5 teachers explores the essential principles of climate literacy.
After the Ice: Our Food discusses changes in historic food sources for …
After the Ice: Our Food discusses changes in historic food sources for Arctic Native Americans. Global climate change is altering yearly cycles of both ice coverage and depth in the Bering Sea. Changes in the ice affect the way local native groups hunt in order to feed their community.
This 7-minute video illustrates how the historic homeland for Arctic Native Americans …
This 7-minute video illustrates how the historic homeland for Arctic Native Americans is being affected by climate change. Shorefast ice and pack ice are present for a shorter part of the year. This has profound affects on the way of life in the Bering Sea region, to the point where the community may have to relocate.
This video discusses how the historic way of life for Arctic Native …
This video discusses how the historic way of life for Arctic Native Americans has changed. Global climate change is altering the ice cycle (yearly coverage, depth, and persistence) in the Bering Sea and weather patterns. Changes in the ice affect the way local native groups are able to hunt for food, and maintain their community.
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students learn about particle pollution. SCIENTIST NOTES: This …
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students learn about particle pollution.
SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson introduces students to gain elementary knowledge about air pollution, its sources, and implications on air quality. It provides critical insights on the impacts it has on low-income communities of Los Angeles. The lesson materials are well-written and cited. Thus, this lesson has passed our science review.
POSITIVES: -This lesson dives deeper into the concept of air pollution and how to monitor air quality. -This lesson involves movement and allows kids to have fun while learning about something serious.
ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES: -You will need to prepare the appropriate materials for The Cilia Game before class begins. -The Cilia Game is quite silly. Be prepared for some laughs as the "cilia" try to defend the "lungs"! -Cilia are tiny hair-like structures in our respiratory system that protect our lungs from foreign matter like particle pollution. -In this lesson we use the term "particle pollution." This is usually referred to as "particulate pollution" or "particulate matter." For the purposes of this lesson, we have decided to use the simpler "particle pollution." -"Air pollution" is kind of a catchall term, referring to things like ozone, particulate matter, and even greenhouse gases. This can be tricky for elementary students to sort out. The purpose of this lesson is for students to better understand particulate matter.
DIFFERENTIATION: -Curious students may want more time to explore the interactive map of air quality. -Students who complete their journal entry early can make their own air quality monitor. -Be sensitive to your students' health situation. Some students with asthma or who know someone with asthma may find it difficult to learn more about this topic.
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students connect air quality with environmental justice. SCIENTIST …
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students connect air quality with environmental justice.
SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson introduces the relationship between environment and justice. Students understand if their community is healthy and what to do to create a fair, just, equitable, and sustainable planet for all to thrive. Additional materials are suitable to broaden their understanding on a wide range of topics such as segregation, the connection between climate and justice, racial justice, and social justice. All materials in this lesson are properly cited and are void of scientific contradictions. In this light, this lesson has passed our science credibility process.
POSITIVES: -This lesson allows students to create their own meaning of environmental justice before viewing the explanatory video. -The EPA's Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool is amazing. Students will love it.
ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES: -The video explaining environmental justice might be tough for 3rd-5th graders to understand. Students should understand the core message in the video, even if they might not understand all the details.
DIFFERENTIATION: -Some students may want more time to explore the EPA's Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool. -The reflection journal at the end of the lesson has options for student creativity and imagination.
Learn about the effects of a changing climate on the Arctic ecosystem …
Learn about the effects of a changing climate on the Arctic ecosystem and four of its well-known mammals: the polar bear, the walrus, the Arctic fox and the beluga whale.
The ability to ask and answer questions while reading is essential to …
The ability to ask and answer questions while reading is essential to comprehension. This article discusses instructional strategies used to teach questioning and provides many online resources. The article appears in the free, online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle, which explores the seven essential principles of the climate sciences for teachers in k-grade 5 classrooms.
This professional development article describes approaches to using social media in harnessing …
This professional development article describes approaches to using social media in harnessing the power of Web 2.0 technologies to reinforce the connection between multimedia literacy and powerful content-area learning in grades K-5. The emphasis is on collaboration with the school librarian. The article appears in the free online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle, which is structured around the seven essential principles of the climate sciences.
This interactive shows the extent of the killing of lodgepole pine trees …
This interactive shows the extent of the killing of lodgepole pine trees in western Canada. The spread of pine beetle throughout British Columbia has devastated the lodgepole pine forests there. This animation shows the spread of the beetle and the increasing numbers of trees affected from 1999-2008 and predicts the spread up until 2015.
The pandemic has highlighted major inequalities that existed before, in the "normal.” …
The pandemic has highlighted major inequalities that existed before, in the "normal.” In the news, there is talk of a return to "normal", but for many in marginalized communities"normal" was not justice. This project outlines three areas of local and global opportunity in our community: education, racial equity, and climate change.Through investigation, students will examine multiple perspectives, ask critical questions, analyze information, and act on what they learn. Their project is not only about the end product, but also the process.
This article provides a brief discussion of the importance of teaching students …
This article provides a brief discussion of the importance of teaching students to analyze data and representations of data as well as two resources that can help teachers implement these strategies into their instruction.
This article continues an examination of each of the seven essential principles …
This article continues an examination of each of the seven essential principles of the climate sciences on which the online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle is structured. Principle 3 states that life on Earth depends on, is shaped by, and affects climate. The climate dictates where and how species can survive. The author discusses the scientific concepts underlying the life forms' dependence on the climate and expands the discussion with diagrams, photos, and online resources.
In this activity, students construct "flying birds" (pollution collectors) from paper and …
In this activity, students construct "flying birds" (pollution collectors) from paper and wire hangers. Students hang up their birds to see how they react to air pollution, and compare and make observations about the differences in the birds.
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students learn about climate change, calculate their carbon …
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students learn about climate change, calculate their carbon footprint, and take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
SCIENTIST NOTES: After introducing students to climate change, this lesson immediately makes the climate crisis personal, challenging them to analyze how their behavior affects the climate. Excellent video resources from National Geographic and Rutgers are presented that explain the climate crisis and how it impacts New Jersey and provide actionable steps to conserve energy and mitigate climate change. Individuals are tasked with calculating their climate footprint and then creating a weeklong journal that aids them in discovering ways to reduce carbon emissions. These journals provide students with practice constructing and then solving their own word problems before comparing their results with other students. Finally, groups create posters that demonstrate how they can affect change in their community. This lesson plan is well-sourced, offers multiple opportunities for collaborative learning, and is recommended for teaching.
POSITIVES: -This lesson includes hands-on activities that relate to students’ daily lives and the real world. -Materials are easily accessible for teachers without much planning. -The lesson is intended for students to be reflective, creative, cooperative, and innovative.
ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES: -Teachers should have a basic understanding of climate change. -Students should understand cooperative learning essentials, including how to be a good teammate and how to work in groups.
DIFFERENTIATION: -Two carbon footprint calculator options are provided. Students can use one or both. -Children’s literature can be used to support English Language Learners or provide supplements for enrichment. Possible books include: -The Tantrum that Saved the World by Megan Herbert and Michael E. Mann -Winston of Churchill: One Bear’s Battle Against Global Warming by Jean Davies Okimoto -The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge by Joanna Cole -What Is Climate Change? by Gail Herman -It’s Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired, & Get Going by Chelsea Clinton -The Last Wild by Piers Torday -Our House Is on Fire by Jeanette Winter -Saving Earth Climate Change and the Fight for Our Future by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich -Additional resources for enrichment can be found at NOAA.gov and EnergyStar.gov.
In this nonfiction story, young readers and listeners learn how scientists use …
In this nonfiction story, young readers and listeners learn how scientists use cross sections from trees to reconstruct past climates. Versions are provided for readers at two levels, k-2 and 3-5, and in text-only and illustrated formats. The story is also available as an electronic book with recorded narration. An original story is a regular feature of each issue of the free, online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle. The story can be used in science and literacy lessons and activities throughout the magazine.
Students will learn that there is a finite amount of carbon on …
Students will learn that there is a finite amount of carbon on earth, which moves around in the environment, from one place to another. Activity is scaleable from elementary to high school with options to introduce advanced content. Wrap up includes role playing the carbon cycle with the addition of human influences (e.g. burning of fossil fuels). Activity can be done in classroom or outside, includes working in a group and role playing. Grades 3-12. This resources is part of the Our Changing Ocean and Estuaries Series
This lesson engages students with an environmental issue and allows them to …
This lesson engages students with an environmental issue and allows them to use their artistic skills to create an artwork about caring for the oceans.
Step 1 - Inquire: Students read Somebody Swallowed Stanley and discuss the colors and emotions in the book.
Step 2 - Investigate: Students practice art techniques.
Step 3 - Inspire: Students create artworks about oceans and display them around their school or local community for others to view.
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