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 ations.html Discussion of BHO temperature data from and Presentation of atmospheric CO 2 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 or 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 CO 2 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

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, Blue Hill Weather Observatory. Mean temperature data and Obtained November 14, 2003 via transmission of.txt file. “Global Warming Processes”. Online animation. EPA Global Warming For Kids Website. November 3, ml ml Massachusetts Department of Education. Science & Technology Curriculum Frameworks. Malden, MA, 2003