Users explore data, using My World GIS, that characterize the dynamic Greenland Ice Sheet. By examining photographs, map views, and tabular data, users gain an understanding of how and why scientists are monitoring the ice sheet and what they are... (View More) finding. Users explore map layers that represent ice sheet thickness, weather station locations, and annual melt extents of the ice sheet. They learn about the working conditions that Arctic scientists must endure to collect their data, and how sensors on satellites are used to gather information from an area as large as Greenland. Finally, users learn about scientists' methods for measuring ice flowing downhill from Greenland, and examine that data to learn how fast the ice is moving. This chapter is part of the Earth Exploration Toolbook, which provides teachers and/or students with direct practice for using scientific tools to analyze Earth science data. Students should begin on the Case Study page. (View Less)

Through an analysis of data sets on four parameters - sea ice totals, sea surface temperatures, near surface temperatures and surface type - students must decide whether the Arctic is experiencing climate change and predict any potential effects on... (View More) the rest of the planet. The activity in this lesson involves card sorting, a technique in which index cards, each containing content or diagrams, are grouped according to unifying concepts. The cards in this lesson contain graphs that students have downloaded, summaries they have written, and questions they have derived from the lesson. The graphs used in this activity show satellite data sets for a location above the Arctic Circle. Students will analyze and group the cards and will then write a conclusion in which they explain the connection between the four parameters, and relate them back to climate change. This lesson uses student- and citizen science-friendly microsets of authentic NASA Earth system science data from the MY NASA DATA project. It also includes related links, extensions, an online glossary, and a list of related AP Environmental Science topics. (View Less)

This activity is about the impact of climate change in aquatic ecosystems. Learners will build two aquatic habitats using soda bottles and other materials and simulate climate change conditions in one of the habitats. After making daily qualitative... (View More) and quantitative observations over a four-week period, students will be able to describe the effects of climate change on aquatic ecosystems. This activity is part of the "Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands: A Toolkit for Formal and Informal Educators." (View Less)

This activity is about symbiotic relationships. After reading deep-sea diving log entries, learners will discuss the observations of the relationship between two kinds of organisms, hermit crabs and sea anemones. Learners will perform research to... (View More) answer a set of questions related to this relationship and consider the benefits derived to each organism. Learners will be able to define and describe symbiotic, mutualistic, commensal, and parasitic relationships between organisms. Links to log entries and background material are available. This is the second of three activities in the "Impact of Climate Change on Hawaiian Monk Seals" section of the Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands: A Toolkit for Formal and Informal Educators. (View Less)

This activity is about the role of plants as carbon sinks. Using atom signs made of construction paper, a blanket and other materials, learners will visualize the role of plants in storing carbon and discuss what may lead to its release. This the... (View More) second of three activities in "The Carbon Cycle and its Role in Climate Change," which is part of Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands: A Toolkit for Formal and Informal Educators. (View Less)

This activity is about threatened and endangered species, specifically considering the impact of climate change. Learners will become familiar with classification of animals, conduct research and make a master list of threatened and endangered plant... (View More) and animals, including factors affecting the plant or animal's condition. They will consider bees and other species in the Eastern Forest biome and relate the relationship of pollinators and flowering flora to the survival of many organisms. Extensions to this activity are available. The activity requires significant preparation time by the teacher (e.g., contacting state wildlife agency for, or researching, information on plants in your state that are endangered, threatened, rare, extinct, peripheral). This activity is part of the Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands: A Toolkit for Formal and Informal Educators. (View Less)

This activity is about how climate change may impact organisms and ecosystems. Learners will answer questions and discuss a number of resources provided, including a video clip, on the impacts of climate change on bark beetle populations and... (View More) forests. Working in small groups, they will then make a short presentation with a poster that explains the bark beetle epidemic and possible management solutions. They will understand that changing the balance of an ecosystem produces changes in the availability of food and shelter, can increase uncertainty for communities of living things and can impact the occurrence of fires and other natural hazards. Student worksheets, suggested extensions/adaptations, and additional resources are included. This activity is part of Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands: A Toolkit for Formal and Informal Educators. (View Less)

This activity is about the process of pollination. Using chalk and Q-tips, learners will simulate the pollination process to understand the relationship between pollinator and flowering plant. They will also then simulate a scenario depicting the... (View More) impact of climate change on pollination. This activity should take place outdoors, in an open area where learners can run safely. Extensions to this activity are available. This activity is part of Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands: A Toolkit for Formal and Informal Educators. (View Less)