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.
This lesson looks at the sources of air pollutants. Students examine the sources of air pollutants (point, mobile, area, and natural) using charts of actual data for Michigan. The
concept of an airshed and its importance for understanding air pollution is developed.
Students learn about the gases and particles that make up the air and explore different ways that we can monitor pollutants. Students monitor particle and ozone pollution
around their school/homes using homemade monitors.
In this lesson, the Internet is used as a resource for students to access daily (and hourly) information about air quality. The National Air Quality Index provides color-coded information about levels of air pollution and health effects. The color codes of the AQI, posted daily, can be found on the Internet and in some newspapers. The UV index alerts people to levels of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Students use the Internet to find out about the UV index in Michigan and around the country.
In this lesson, the Internet is used as a resource for students to access daily (and hourly) information about air quality.
In this lesson, students explore the role of regulations in influencing air quality decisions as they examine trends in air pollution. The students are encouraged to think
critically about important technological developments that have influenced the lives of individuals since the start of the twentieth century.
Students explore how public policy decisions are made and practice solving problems that require choices. Students learn that solving environmental issues involves a
diversity of stakeholders and that everyone can contribute to solutions to air pollution problems.
The lesson develops the basic ideas that combustion activities are a major source of air pollution and that the products of combustion include particles (soot) and gases such as
carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
This lesson feature allows students to explore the relationship between air pollution
and asthma in Michigan.
The geographic range of a plant or animal species is an indication of its environmental “preferences,” the conditions that it finds ideal, acceptable, or intolerable.
If the climate changes, therefore, it is reasonable to expect that plant and animal species might “move” to occupy different places. The big question is: “What species will
move, and where will they go?” In this lesson, students approach this question through three activities.
Climagraphs can tell us about the seasonal shifts in climate due to climate change. Changes in growing season and water balance in the Great Lakes region will have economic impacts.
Students participate in a class-wide dialogue after conducting research on one of many Michigan personas
\ about their views and solutions to climate change.
Students examine news sources and compare the type of coverage climate change receives as well as the objectivity of the sources.
What is the distinction between weather and climate? As a way to understand climate, students interpret climagraphs, and read about climate variability. An extension lesson has
students comparing climate data from different regions in the United States.
Students learn about the Earth’s energy balance.
A series of activities and understanding of the greenhouse effect and the enhanced greenhouse effect, including the types and sources of greenhouse gases using readings and
diagrams.
Students examine the carbon cycle, and identify sources and sinks within the environment. Students relate this information to greenhouse gas emissions of carbon dioxide
in the context of greenhouse gas emissions in Michigan.
Students identify the factors which can influence climate change and identify reasons for uncertainty.
Students identify the factors which can influence climate change and identify reasons for uncertainty.
Students graph atmospheric carbon dioxide, emissions of carbon dioxide, and temperature throughout the years and compare the trends.