Climate Change

Lesson Plan Title

Atmospheric Climate Change

General Goal(s)

This is a lesson to introduce the basics of atmospheric climate change, its impacts, and how it's studied in Canada.

Specific Objectives

Use a computer presentation to present information on climate change. Specifically:

  • Climate
  • Greenhouse gases
  • Greenhouse gas emissions
  • Measurements of greenhouse gases
  • Climate predictions
  • Impacts of climate change

Required Materials

computer and projector

Climate Change Lesson Plan Gr. 9-12 PDF
Climate Change PowerPoint Gr. 9-12 PDF
Climate Change PowerPoint Gr. 9-12 (Teacher Notes Included) PDF

Lead-In

Teacher could consider a brief discussion on climate change in the news and/or could conduct an informal climate change debate/discussion.

Step-By-Step Procedures

  • Lead In (10-15 min)
  • Deliver computer presentation (25 min)
  • Play PowerPoint jeopardy (25 min)
    • Divide students into two or more teams
    • Assign a score keeper
    • Play according to normal jeopardy rules having student raise hands in order to answer question

Plan for Independent Practice

Students could be asked to do independent climate change research in a specific area and prepare a report on this research.

Alternatively, students could be asked to prepare for a formal debate on a climate change related topic.

Assessment Based on Objectives

Teacher can assess overall quality of climate change report/debate performance.

Do students grasp key concepts?

Useful Links

Ozone Layer Fact Sheet

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Clouds in a Jar

Powerpoint Jeopardy Templates

Build a Spectroscope

Spectroscope Activity Sheet

Keywords

Environmental chemistry, climate, climate change, atmosphere, layers, greenhouse effect, methane, carbon dioxide, water vapour, model, troposphere, stratosphere, emissions, pollution