Teacher Guide Climate Change and Arctic Ecosystems

Activity Focus: Students analyze and interpret graphs and images involving climate change and the Arctic ecosystem. Students create a brochure explaining Arctic climate changes and how they can impact this system. Major Concepts: Greenhouse gases (CO2, methane, water vapor and nitrous oxides) may be increasing global warming. As a result of global warming, the Arctic climate may be changing and affecting its ecosystem. Objectives: After completing this activity, students will be able to: • explain how greenhouse gases increase global warming which may create climate change • define the Arctic region • explain the feedback loop of climate change and Arctic sea ice • compare temperatures and precipitation graphs of the Arctic area and look for trends. • explain differences in Arctic sea ice area from 1979-2003 and correlate sea ice with polar bear populations. • create a brochure explaining how Arctic climate may be changing and affecting its ecosystem and how students can make an impact. Materials and Preparation: You will need to prepare the following materials before conducting this activity. • Copy the Climate Change and Arctic Ecosystems data interpretation and visualization activity (make 1 copy per student). • Provide each student/group with 2 graph transparencies (cm2 grid paper). • Make a transparency or PowerPoint slide for each graph, map, and image. Procedures: Students may work individually or as a group to complete the remaining aspects of the activity. 1. Introduce the activity by asking students to identify some of the factors that influence climates. How do these climatic factors affect the Arctic region? Answer the “What I currently know and think ” questions before starting the activity. You may want to discuss these as a class. 2. To complete the Explore and Explain portion of the activity, students will read some information about greenhouse gases and understand why the gases are of concern in climate change. Climate feedback loops are presented and questions Activities for Conceptualizing Climate and Climate Change