Students generate questions about graphs of Earth’s average surface temperature and the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Then, they build models of atmospheres on Earth, Mars and Venus and determine how atmosphere impacts climate. Finally, students find answers to one climate question and look for all of the positive things happening in their homes, schools and communities to combat climate change. Students then share their positive findings in an original collage!

Students demonstrate how latitude and Earth’s tilt affect climate, graph average temperatures at different altitudes, model the Coriolis effect and investigate how land and water absorb heat energy. Then, they develop a climate-based travel brochure for a region of their choice. Finally, students research an extreme climate on Earth (the top of Mount Everest, a boiling hot vent, a burning desert) and the species that thrive there!

Students describe their perfect weather day, record observations in a weather journal and develop models of density and weather fronts. Then, they analyze current national weather conditions and create a local weather prediction based on evidence. Finally, students build their own barometer and compare their data with local air pressure readings!