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Getting to the Core of Climate Change
A Look at How Refrigerants are Affecting our Environment through Ice Cores
Elementary, Middle
Description
This resource is part of Science Spotlight, a compilation that informs students about climate research being conducted by science heroes from across Canada and identifies the related climate actions they can undertake at home, in class or in the community.
Students learn about pollutants from refrigerants and how they can lead to bioaccumulation in the food chain. They also learn how ice cores (long cylinder cones samples of ice) can tell the story of the presence of pollutants over time.
Students will:
- Meet the local climate hero of this edition, Dr. Alison Criscitiello, an ice core scientist
- Learn about her research as it relates to refrigerants and their impact on the environment
- Participate in a convection current simulation with ice cubes
- Learn more about climate change and how to take action
A search tool provided on the compilation's website allows immediate access to other Science Spotlight lessons including those in the Consumption and Waste Management category, such as:
General Assessment
Recommendation of how and where to use it
Getting to the Core of Climate Change: A Look at How Refrigerants are Affecting our Environment through Ice Cores compliments the Grade 5-8 Science units exploring the causes and consequences of climate change and the connections between pollutants such as refrigerants and their effects on food chains.
To extend the learning further, students could create information brochures on the topic of proper disposal of fridges and air conditioners to spread awareness in their school community.
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 by investigating natural systems and their interactions.
- Grade 6
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- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
- Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Interactions and Ecosystems
- British Columbia
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- Newfoundland & Labrador
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- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
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- Grade 5
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- Earth and Space Systems: Weather
- Grade 7
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- Science
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- Interactions and Ecosystems
- Grade 8
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- Science
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- Interactions in Our Environment
- Ontario
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- Grade 7
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- Science & Technology
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- Life Systems: Interactions in the Environment
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
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- Grade 5
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- Science & Technology
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- Living Things
- Grade 6
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- Living Things
- Grade 7
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- Science & Technology
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- The Living World
- Grade 8
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- The Living World
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon Territory
Themes Addressed
Air, Atmosphere & Climate (3)
- Air Pollution
- Climate Change
- Ozone Depletion
Human Health & Environment (1)
- Environmental Contaminants & Health Hazards
Waste Management (1)
- Solid Waste Disposal
