Title: Glacier-sized Problem for Climate Change
Date: 25 Jan 2010
Grade: 6
Subject: Science
URL: http://www.newsy.com/videos/glacier-sized-problem-for-climate-change-panel/
Teacher Information: This lesson will show
students how global warming will affect the
different weather events we learned in class.
The teacher would have to have a prior
knowledge of weather, cause and effect
writing and global warming.
Phase
Task(s)
Time
Preparation
Group students in groups of 4. Ask students to think of a weather event they 10
minutes
learned about in Science in the previous weeks. Start a discussion about
weather and the problems that global warming could create. Discuss the
tools Meteorologist/Scientist use to measure climate change.
Watch
As a class, watch the video “Glacier-sized problem for Climate Change”
http://www.newsy.com/videos/glacier-sized-problem-for-climate-changepanel/
2:27
minutes
Re-watch and
answer
Re-watch and brainstorm, “Why would people not believe the Scientist
about global warming?” Share ideas with the class.
5
minutes
Group Work
Compare the pros and cons of global warming argument on a weather event
(tornados, hurricane, blizzard, etc). Groups will list the pros and cons on a
large piece of poster board paper. Students will then tape their poster to
the wall. Groups will rotate to each poster (6) and will add thoughts to each
pros and cons list. Teacher will make sure different weather events are
being used.
13
minutes
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Discussion
As a class, review the pros and cons of each weather event. Create a cause
and effect diagram using the effects of global warming on the hurricane
season. Have students think about “What effects would we see on our
world climate due to global warming?” Discuss ways that we can help
reduce the effects of global warming.
20
minutes
Title: Glacier-sized Problem for Climate Change
Extended Learning Activities – Optional
Parent Involvement
Students can share with their parents how they can help
with the effects of global warming. Parents can take one
idea and apply to their home and families.
varies
Research
Research the arguments for and against global warming.
varies
Research
Research “How can we as a community help with the
effects of global warming?” “How will global warming
effect the appearance of our planet?”
varies
Report




Students can create a commercial to show ways
to decrease global warming. Video may be
shown on school’s news program.
Students can create a skit, rap, poem, etc.
Visual Aid
PowerPoint presentation
varies
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Looking for related resources? Check out…
eThemes: Glaciers: North America
These websites are about glaciers. Learn what a glacier is, how they are formed, and the impact that
they have on the landscape. See maps of where glaciers once covered large areas of North America and
pictures of landforms that were created by glaciers thousands of years ago. There are also classroom
experiments and activities for deeper understanding of how glaciers behave.
http://ethemes.missouri.edu/themes/1240
eThemes: Weather
These websites are about weather. Learn the basics about temperature, clouds, and storms. There are
interactive games and quizzes, printable activities, and science experiments that you can try.
http://ethemes.missouri.edu/themes/892
Skeptical Science
Examines the science and arguments of global warming skepticism. Common objections like “global
warming is caused by the sun,” and “temperature has changed before.”
http://www.skepticalscience.com/argument.php
Logical Science
Provides thought about global warming issue and how it may be a fabrication.
http://www.logicalscience.com/skeptic_arguments/skeptic-arguments.html
EPA
Provides information about what the Environmental Protection Agency thinks about global warming.
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/index.html
Live Science
Provides an explanation of how scientists use instruments and how data can be skewed.
http://www.livescience.com/environment/050811_global_warming.html
CNN
Human-induced global warming is real, according to a survey based on the opinions of Scientists. There
remains a division between climatologists and scientists for other Earth Science areas as to the extent of
human responsibility.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/01/19/eco.globalwarmingsurvey/index.html
Buzzle
Provides information about the global warming argument from both sides.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/arguments-against-global-warming.html
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