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

Weather

Climate

Commonly Accepted Definitions

Or, in the words of a middle school student…."climate tells you what clothes to buy, but weather tells you what clothes to wear."

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

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).

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

Globally-averaged temperature over the past 140 years

Concentration of Carbon Dioxide (CO2 )

Mauna Loa, Hawaii

• 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

Between 1990 and 2100 global temperature are likely to rise 1.7 to 4.9

C (3.1-8.9 F).

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 tubes1 – vinegar2 – BTB1 – covered in foil

One hole stopper with tubing

Cotton ball

Baking soda and vinegar

Aluminum foil

Straws

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 Teacher’s Guide

www.eo.ucar.edu/educators/ClimateDiscovery• GLOBE Teacher’s Guide: Earth as a System Chapter

http://www.globe.gov/tctg/tgchapter.jsp?sectionId=241

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