How Can Our Actions Impact the World?

In this lesson, students are introduced to global climate change. They explore the ramifications of global climate change for Michigan, as well as individual actions that can decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Climate patterns in Michigan are evaluated using graphing, interpreting, and analyzing skills.

Students answer four essential questions: What is global climate change and what is its cause? What are the trends in Michigan’s climate? How could climate change affect Michigan’s environment? What actions can we take to mitigate global climate change?

Subject/Target Grade

Science and Social Studies/ Middle School (7-9)

Duration

Two 45-50 minute periods - Classroom, computer lab

Materials

per class

• safety glasses

• 2 1-gallon plastic freezer bags

• 2 thermometers

• source of CO2 (vinegar and baking soda)

• 100-mL beaker or cup

• heat lamp or sunlight

• computers with Internet access

• A Simplistic View of Climate Change (transparency master) 

• A More Realistic View of Climate Change (transparency master) 

• Carbon Dioxide Concentrations (transparency master) 

• Global Temperature Changes (transparency master) 

• Climate at a Glance (answer key) 

• Michigan Climate Change (answer key) 

• Michigan Climate Example (transparency master) 

• Distribution of Michigan Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Economic Sector, 2002 (transparency master) 

• Distribution of Michigan Greenhouse Gases by Gas Type, 2002 (transparency master) 

• Ten Easy Ways to Cool Global Warming (teacher resource) per small group 

per small group 

• Climate Change and Michigan (student resource) per student 

per student 

• index card 

• Climate at a Glance (student activity) 

• Michigan Climate Change (student activity) 

• Silent Spring Revisited (student assessment)