Students graph atmospheric carbon dioxide, emissions of carbon dioxide, and temperature throughout the years and compare the trends.

Students will answer these essential questions:

How are atmospheric carbon dioxide and temperature related, and what is the predicted global temperature increase in 2100? 

What other evidence suggests climate change?

Subject/Target Grade

Science and Social Studies/Middle School and High School

Duration

One to two 45-50 minute periods – Classroom setting

Materials

From MEECS Climate Change Resource DVD

• Temperature Puzzle (MP4 Video 5:40 minutes) 

• Evidence of Change (PowerPoint)  

Per class

• Evidence of Change Data (transparency master) 

• Global Temperature and Carbon Dioxide (transparency master) 

per student

• Graphing Temperature and Carbon Dioxide in the 20th century (student activity) 

• Graphing Temperature and Carbon Dioxide over the last 450,000 years (student activity)