In this lesson, students will examine three claims made about global warming: (1) global warming has not occurred since the industrial revolution, (2) the main cause of global warming since the industrial revolution has been natural changes in the amount of solar radiance from solar flares, and (3) the main cause of global warming since the industrial revolution has been an increase in greenhouse gases. Students will use quantitative figures to critically evaluate each claim and they will decide which claim is best supported by the information in the figures. Students will interpret and analyze graphs and figures and then evaluate the reliability of the information in the figures. Students will then evaluate the relevancy of each piece of information as it relates to the claims made and then students will make inferences to decide which claim is best supported by the evidence.
At the conclusion of the lesson, students will be able to:
- Explain the main factors controlling climate and how changes in these factors would impact the earth’s climate.
- Know what the current data on the causes of global warming show.
- Communicate their position on global warming using evidence.
Resources:
Lesson plan created by GK-12 Fellow Nick Ballew, 2011