Classroom Tools to Explore Past Present and Future

Classroom Tools to Explore Past, Present, and Future Climate Change Sandra Henderson and Lisa Gardiner Roberta Johnson, Randy Russell, David Mastie, and Becca Hatheway UCAR Office of Education and Outreach

Commonly Accepted Definitions Weather refers to the current atmospheric conditions (including temperature, precipitation, wind, humidity, barometric pressure) at a particular time and place. Climate refers to the general weather patterns expected in a given area (sometimes based on the 30 year average weather). Climate may also be applied more generally to large-scale weather patterns in time or space (e. g. , an Ice Age climate or a tropical climate). Or, in the words of a middle school student…. "climate tells you what clothes to buy, but weather tells you what clothes to wear. "

What tools do scientists use to study past, present, and future climates? • Past – –Recent past – weather records –Distant past – ‘proxy data’– fossils, ice cores, tree rings, pollen • Present – Sensors on satellites, sensors on towers • Future – Computer models

Globally-averaged temperature over the past 140 years

Concentration of Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) Mauna Loa, Hawaii

Between 1990 and 2100 global temperature are likely to rise 1. 7 to 4. 9 C (3. 1 -8. 9 F). • Likely effects: – Droughts – Extreme storms – Wildfires – Vegetation changes – Melting ice – Rise in sea level

Between 1990 and 2100 global temperature are likely to rise 1. 7 to 4. 9 C (3. 1 -8. 9 F). • Likely effects: – Droughts – Extreme storms – Wildfires – Vegetation changes – Melting ice – Rise in sea level

Mapping Ancient Coastlines Classroom Activity http: //www. windows. ucar. edu/tour/link=/teacher_resources/teach_bathymetry. htm

Mapping Ancient Coastlines Classroom Activity http: //www. windows. ucar. edu/tour/link=/teacher_resources/teach_bathymetry. htm

The Paleoclimates and Pollen Activity Materials for each small group: Sample of each ‘sediment’ layer (1 – 5) Pie pan and toothpicks Student Handout sheet

Carbon Dioxide – Sources and Sinks Activity Materials for each small group: Test tube rack and 4 test tubes 1 – vinegar 2 – BTB 1 – covered in foil One hole stopper with tubing Cotton ball Baking soda and vinegar Aluminum foil Straws

Climate Education Resources National Center for Atmospheric Research University Corporation for Atmospheric Research • Windows to the Universe www. windows. ucar. edu • Project LEARN www. ucar. edu/learn • NCAR Kids’ Crossing www. eo. ucar. edu/kids • Climate Discovery Teacher’s Guide www. eo. ucar. edu/educators/Climate. Discovery • GLOBE Teacher’s Guide: Earth as a System Chapter http: //www. globe. gov/tctg/tgchapter. jsp? section. Id=241

• Sandra Henderson sandrah@ucar. edu • Lisa Gardiner egardine@ucar. edu