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How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate

Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming

Elementary, Middle

Description

The internet and other media offer an over abundance of information and opinions about climate change.  The challenge is to ensure our youth are provided with authentic evidence that supports informed decision making.  This book introduces young people to credible climate research being conducted by scientists around the globe.  The emphasis on successful grassroots initiatives that have influenced research and policy also provides a positive perspective on the importance of citizen science in protecting the environment.  A separate teachers guide offers great lesson plans that support science outcomes and the book's extensive resource list provides ideas for action projects that teach students how to take charge of their own climate footprint.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This book could be used as the basis of an inquiry-based science project in which students examine the potential local impacts of global warming with activities such as analyzing weather data or exploring species changes within ecosystems. 

The examples of citizen involvement in research science described in the book could form the basis of a partnership between a class and a local university. Students would work with mentors to collect and analyze data that supports conservation initiatives.

The climate change theme could also be used to develop student-led initiatives that deliver community action projects such as promoting active transportation, organizing a "buy local" campaign or hosting workshops on energy reduction.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

  • Step 1Select a province
  • Alberta
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 5
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
        • Weather Watch
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
        • Students investigate climate and describe the interactions between the Sun, water, air, and land.
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
  • British Columbia
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    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time
  • Manitoba
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    • Grade 5
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      • Science
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        • Weather
  • New Brunswick
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    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7 Earth Surface Processes: Scientific Literacy
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
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    • Grade 5
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      • Science
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        • Weather
  • Northwest Territories
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    • Grade 5
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Earth and Space Systems: Weather
  • Nova Scotia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 5
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 5: Weather
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Environmental Action
    • Grade 8
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 8: Climate Change
  • Nunavut
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    • Grade 5
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Earth and Space Systems: Weather
  • Prince Edward Island
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    • Grade 5
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      • Science
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        • Weather
  • Saskatchewan
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    • Grade 5
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Weather
  • Yukon Territory
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    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time

Themes Addressed

Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)

  • Climate Change

Citizenship (1)

  • Community-Building and Participation

Science and Technology (2)

  • Alternative Ways of Doing Science
  • Analysing Conventional Science