Planet Earth is a dynamic, ever-changing place. While weather patterns are constantly in flux, scientists report that longer-term climate patterns have been changing rapidly over the past 60 years, including observable records of increased precipitation, warmer global temperatures, and a higher frequency of extreme weather events. Worldwide climatic changes have gone into overdrive in the last several decades, accelerated largely by human activities.
The following resources are useful for students and teachers who want to dig into the facts of climate change, and research this topic for themselves.
Video Resources
- Climate Change Remix (Grades 6-12)
- This Is Our Time (Grades 6-12)
- Out To The Lakes (Grades 6-12) (Culture of Conservation series -- material about climate change begins at 20:00)
Enhanced Learning Activities
Middle School
- Climate Change and Changing Weather (Grades 3-12)
- How Does Climate Change Affect Animals? (Grades 3-8)
- How Does Climate Change Affect Sea Levels? (Grades 6-8)
- I Can Help! Reducing My Carbon Footprint (Grades 3-12)
High School
- Iowa’s Environmental History and Climate Change (Grades 7-12)
- Exploring the Carbon Cycle (Grades 7-12)
- Carbon Cycle Jeopardy (Grades 9-12)
- Directing Climate Change (Grades 9-12)
- Global Warming Mafia Game (Grades 9-12)
- Greenhouse Gases: The Climate Change Culprit (Grades 7-12)
- What is the Government Doing About Climate Change? (Grades 9-12)
Additional Climate Change Resources
Additional Resources for Elementary:
- NASA: Climate Kids
- EPA: Student's Guide to Global Climate Change
- Florida Climate Center Kids: Teacher Resources page