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Introduction to Global Warming

To begin this minds-on analysis and discussion activity, students learn about the correlated increases in global temperatures and CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere.

Next, students evaluate an example that illustrates that correlation does not necessarily imply causation. Then, they analyze several types of evidence to test the hypothesis that increased CO2 in the atmosphere has been a major cause of the increase in global temperatures.

This activity concludes with a very brief discussion of how global warming has contributed to harmful effects (e.g., increased flooding) and possible actions to reduce these harmful effects.

    The Student Handout is available in the first two attached files and as a Google doc designed for use in online instruction and distance learning. The Teacher Notes, available in the last two attached files, provide instructional suggestions and background information and explain how this activity is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards.

      AttachmentSize
      IntroGlobalWarmingSHO .docx1.03 MB
      IntroGlobalWarmingSHO .pdf489.36 KB
      IntroGlobalWarmingTN.docx1.54 MB
      IntroGlobalWarmingTN.pdf963.59 KB
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      iwaldron's picture

      2022 revision

      Submitted by iwaldron on Fri, 04/01/2022 - 8:56am.

      I have clarified the Student Handout and updated the information in the Teacher Notes.

      Ingrid

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      This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. To preserve the value of these learning activities for other teachers, please do not post keys for any questions from any of these activities!

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      Authors

      Dr. Ingrid Waldron is Professor Emerita in the Biology Department at the University of Pennsylvania. Co-authors include Dr. Jennifer Doherty, who is an Assistant Professor in the Physiology Department at Michigan State University, and Dr. Lori Spindler, who is a Lecturer in the Biology Department at the University of Pennsylvania. They have developed these activities in collaboration with colleagues at Penn and middle school and high school teachers in the Philadelphia area. We are grateful to Craig Douglas for his generous help with graphics.

       

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