Climate Time Machine

NASA

This series of four animations shows how some of the key indicators of climate change (average global temperature, sea level, sea ice extent, carbon emissions) have changed in Earth's recent history.

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Notes from our reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials.

Educator may need to explain some of the background information about where data comes from and how it is or has been collected. Best paired with study of the reasons behind the data shown by the visualizations. This is simply a visual of change over time for these indicators. Educator will need to provide the context for use and implications of these changes. Please see the supporting URL for more information about the topics in these visualizations.
NASA has provided a visualization of four different sets of data: (1) a shrinking perennial ice cover based on satellite imagery, (2) affected areas of sea level rise on US coastal regions, (3) changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration, and (4) changes in surface air temperature. Each visualization clearly states the range of years shown and the base measurement by which the change is measured. Sea ice extent visual is limited to Arctic. Projected sea level rise is limited to several parts of the globe with low lying areas, including the Gulf Mexico from east TX to FL. All animations are based on reliable observations with original sources credited. Comments from expert scientist: Excellent overall tool. Comments below are on specifics; on the whole this presentation meets the highest scientific standards for what I would consider up to the middle or high school level. - Visualizations need a legend or interpretation overlay. There is too little in the text to easily link understanding to what is being shown. - Could use more effective links within the text or at end to additional outside materials.
No instructional materials are included, however, visualizations are easily inserted into any teaching unit to support the concept of human-caused climate change. Educators will need to provide the context and explain some of the variables presented. Students studying information displayed in the visualizations will both find answers to questions as well as possible new information to explore.