Climate Education Resources National Center for Atmospheric Research University Corporation for Atmo

1
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
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Commonly Accepted Definitions
refers to the current atmospheric conditions
(including temperature, precipitation, wind,
humidity, barometric pressure) at a particular
time and place.

• Weather
• 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."
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What tools do scientists use to study past,
present, and future climates?

• Past
• Present
• Future

• Recent past weather records
• Distant past proxy data fossils, ice cores,
  tree rings, pollen

Sensors on satellites, sensors on towers
Computer models
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Globally-averaged temperature over the past 140
years
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Concentration of Carbon Dioxide (CO2 )
Mauna Loa, Hawaii
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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

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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

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Mapping Ancient Coastlines Classroom Activity
http//www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link/teacher_res
ources/teach_bathymetry.htm
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Mapping Ancient Coastlines Classroom Activity
http//www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link/teacher_res
ources/teach_bathymetry.htm
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The Paleoclimates and Pollen Activity Materials
for each small group Sample of each sediment
layer (1 5) Pie pan and toothpicks Student
Handout sheet
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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
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Climate Education ResourcesNational 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 Teachers Guide
  www.eo.ucar.edu/educators/ClimateDiscovery
• GLOBE Teachers Guide Earth as a System Chapter
  http//www.globe.gov/tctg/tgchapter.jsp?sectionId
  241

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• Sandra Henderson sandrah_at_ucar.edu
• Lisa Gardiner egardine_at_ucar.edu

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