A Cooperative Classroom Investigation of Climate Change
September 2007
Scientists have a particularly difficult time explaining warming trends in Antarctica—a region with a relatively short history of scientific observation and a highly variable climate (Clarke et al. 2007). Regardless of the mechanism of warming, however, climate change is having a dramatic impact on Antarctic ecosystems. In this article, the authors describe a standards-based, directed inquiry they have used in 10th grade biology classes to highlight the ecosystem level changes observed on the western Antarctic Peninsula. This activity stresses the importance of evidence in scientific explanations and demonstrates the cooperative nature of science.
A Record of Climate Change
September 2007
The hydrologic cycle is a very basic scientific principle. In this article, background information is presented on how the hydrologic cycle provides scientists with clues to understanding the history of Earth’s climate. Also detailed is a web-based activity that allows students to learn about how scientists are able to piece together a record of Earth’s climate thanks to a unique ice core drilling program in Greenland.
Idea Bank: International Polar Year in the Classroom
January 2008
The International Polar Year (IPY) is one of the most ambitious international science programs ever organized, currently involving over 60,000 scientists from 63 countries. The goal is to broaden humankind’s understanding of the Arctic and Antarctic, examining a wide range of physical, biological, and social science topics in order to more fully comprehend the critical influence polar regions have on the rest of the planet. The following is a list describing opportunities—supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—for teachers to bring IPY into classrooms around the nation.