Lesson summary
Students investigate climate models. They look at some of the impacts of climate change and the work that scientists do in collecting data on these impacts. They then explore how this data is shared through different types of models, before creating their own model using data on attitudes to climate change.
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- understand that climate scientists conduct research and collect data to better understand climate change and its impacts
- recognise models as a way to communicate scientific data around climate change.
Success criteria:
Students can...
- describe examples of the work that climate scientists do
- compare and analyse different climate models for their effectiveness in communicating climate science
- create a model for communicating climate science
Lesson guides and printables
Lesson details
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- creative thinking
- critical thinking
- communication
Curriculum Mapping
Year 10 Science:
- Use models of energy flow between the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere to explain patterns of global climate change (AC9S10U04)
- Explain how scientific knowledge is validated and refined, including the role of publication and peer review (AC9S10H01)
General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking
Syllabus outcomes: SC5-ENV-01
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability
Relevant parts of Year 10 Science achievement standards: Students describe trends in patterns of global climate change and identify causal factors.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
UN SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
- Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.
Resources Required
- Climate Change Fact Sheet - optional
- Devices with internet access for students to conduct research and create infographics
- Student Worksheet - one for each student
- Teacher support - Talking About Climate Change Fact Sheet
Resources can be found in the Lesson Plan above.
Additional Info
These lessons draw on concepts from the Carbon Almanac.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium - oversee class discussions and lead students in model making.
Related Professional Learning
How To Teach Sustainability With Hope
Quick Summary: This course will help you find out how to bring hope to challenging, upsetting or worrying topics around sustainability.
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