Standard - Uses viewing skills and strategies to understand and interpret visual media.
Standard 10 - Understands the characteristics and components of the media.
Thinking and Reasoning
Standard 1 -Understands and applies the basic principles of presenting an argument.
Standard 2 -Understands and applies the basic principles of logic and reasoning.
Standard 3 -Effectively uses mental processes that are based on identifying similarities and differences.
Standard 6 -Applies decision-making techniques.
Estimated Timeline -- Weeklong lesson integrating all aspects of classroom issues, including art, math, science, social studies, reading, spelling, etc.
Materials Needed
Internet access for research, viewing, and stories
The Heat Over Global Warming (http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/304
King of Cold- (2008). Electronic Book by Steve Whitt (http://www.contentclips.com/services/getPresenterHtml?uri=http://rs1.contentclips.com/ipy/clips/ipy_0806_01_king_00633.swf)
Time for Kids, Special Edition on Global Warming -- various articles at: www.timeforkids.com
"How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming." http://www.dawnpub.com/2detaillinks/climatechangeeducation.cfm
"A Polar Bear Journey." Debbie S. Miller; http://www.debbiemilleralaska.com/PolarBearJourney.htm
Crayons, butcher paper, scissors, paints, glue, various art supplies
Dry Ice, large beaker, thermometers, small toys, empty milk jug, pan, salt, tablespoon, blue food coloring
32 cards (premade) showing negative climate change effects, solutions, stories, maps, etc.
Activities (examples)
Making an ice berg - https://www.cresis.ku.edu/education/iibLessons/iib012.pdf
Understanding volume when ice melts and materials are free - http://fun.familyeducation.com/childrens-science-activities/early-learning/35631.html
Spuzzles -- Put pictures together to make
give websites, have questions: for example:
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/globalwarming.html
Card game on climate change:
http://www.climatechoices.org.uk/docs/card_games_tn.pdf
Daily Matrix:
Day 1 -- Introduction
Key focus: Climate, geography, habitat, maps, environment
Activities:
1. Explanation about temperature, thermometers, measuring; hands on activities measuring temperature of different solutions and areas of the room, the soil, environment, water, etc.
2. Introduction and review of the globe, polar regions, etc.
3. Story about the Polar Bears and the Arctic
4. Introduction to weather, plus short activities illustrating weather differences
5. Understanding precipitation -- where water is stored, build an iceberg
6. Understanding temperature, melting activities and experiments
7. Understanding elevation and how to find it -- group activity, find cities that might be in danger if the sea level rose x% (science activity, dry ice in water, volume, etc.)
8. Individual art projects -- illustrate environmental terms
9. Crossword puzzle activities on terms and concepts
10. Environment walk around the neighborhood, weather permitting.
11. Circle the Wagons -- read additional stories, assignment is to ask parents about their family and if they or their family has ever lived in a very different climate, describe it.
Day 2 -- What is Climate Change?
Key focus: What is Climate change? What are its causes? What are its effects? How do everyday activities contribute to it?
Activities:
1. What do we know about climate change?
2. Film -- Causes of Climate Change (discussion)
3. Art -- Break into groups, draw cards with name of each major climate group, groups illustrate and write a paragraph about that climate, then present to group.
4. Film -- Problems caused by climate change (discussion).
5. Reflection -- Individual paragraph on potential problems on climate change.
6. Animation on what causes climate change (discussion).
7. Animation on how everyday actions cause climate change.
8. Individual art project on their families actions
