Transcript Global Warming Mini-Unit

Global Warming Mini-Unit
By Kristen Cacciatore
ESCI (ECOS 597)
November 15, 2003
Goals
• Introduce global warming and climate
change
• Improve graphing, computer, and
statistical analysis skills
• Reinforce the distinction between data
and resulting inferences and predictions
• Develop context for our studies in the
field at Mother Brook
Overview
• DAY 1 – Introduction of global warming
via interactive animation on EPA’s Global
Warming for Kids website
• DAY 2 – Statistical analysis of BHO
weather data and discussion
• DAY 3 – Graphing of atmospheric CO2
levels
• DAY 4 – Presentation of graphs and
summary discussion
Today’s Presentation
• Viewing of the EPA Website animation at
http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/kids/anim
ations.html
• Discussion of BHO temperature data from
1891-1910 and 1981-2001
• Presentation of atmospheric CO2 data
• Feedback and questions from you
BHO temperature data
Students will:
• Each analyze the mean, median, and
range for one month’s mean
temperature for either 1891-1910 or
1981-2001.
• Then compare their results with the
same month for the other time period
• Answer questions and draw inferences
from the comparison
• The mean change for all months is 2.1 F
Atmospheric CO2 data graphing
Students will:
• Graph CO2 data from 1870 to 2000 by
hand
• Extrapolate future CO2 levels from
their graph
• Input and graph data on Excel
• Present graphs and predictions to the
class
Mean CO2 (ppm)
Mauna Loa CO2 Data
480
440
Mean CO2
(ppm)
400
360
320
280
1850
1900
1950
Year
2000
2050
Assessment
• Online quiz at EPA site
• Accuracy of data analysis
• Homework questions on BHO data
analysis and conclusions
• Graph presentation assessed by rubric
Bibliography
• American Chemical Society. Chemistry in the
Community. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall Hunt, 1988.
• Blue Hill Weather Observatory. Mean temperature
data 1891-1910 and 1981-2001. Obtained November
14, 2003 via email transmission of .txt file.
• “Global Warming Processes”. Online animation. EPA
Global Warming For Kids Website. November 3,
2003.
http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/kids/animations.ht
ml
• Massachusetts Department of Education. Science &
Technology Curriculum Frameworks. Malden, MA,
2003