Cycle 3

In the previous cycle students used models of the carbon cycle and the greenhouse effect to explain how increased concentrations of Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere is causing the Earth’s climate to change.

In this cycle, students will construct an explanation that answers the guiding question: What are the effects and potential effects of climate change? What can humans do to reduce our impacts on the global climate and prepare for climate change? To answer this question, students will use models of different emissions scenarios to explain how different concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere could affect Earth systems in the future. They will obtain information from case studies to determine what the major emitters of greenhouse gases can do to mitigate the effects of climate change. Finally, students will develop action plans that detail specific solutions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and resulting warming.

In the next cycle, students will consider how they as students can reduce environmental impacts in their community. They will utilize what they have learned throughout the module to develop solutions that can be monitored over time.