Exploring Regional Differences in Climate Change

Denise Blaha, Rita Freuder, Earth Exploration Toolbook from TERC

This teaching activity addresses regional variability as predicted in climate change models for the next century. Using real climatological data from climate models, students will obtain annual predictions for minimum temperature, maximum temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation for Minnesota and California to explore this regional variability. Students import the data into a spreadsheet application and analyze it to interpret regional differences. Finally, students download data for their state and compare them with other states to answer a series of questions about regional differences in climate change.

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Notes from our reviewers

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Summary of regional impacts of climate change is weak and not very complete. Ideally the educator would do more research on these topics before teaching the lab so that they can guide students better in understanding the specific local effects of a changing climate. A few guiding questions are suggested, but educator will have to develop additional assessment questions. Questions that are given to guide the interpretation of the graphs should stress that the graphs are predictions of the future and, therefore, hypotheses and not facts. Activity uses information from a model "black box," followed by a detailed, step-by-step instruction; educator has to make sure that the student learning of the content - regional variability of climate change - is achieved. Shortcut options: 1) Data is available on EET chapter website and does not necessarily need to be downloaded from EOS-Webster, 2) Go directly to Part 3 where the graphs are already presented with the analysis questions. However, to do the extension about the home-state, you need to access the EOS-Webster Available professional development programs may be helpful in overcoming concerns about manipulation of large data sets.
Activity uses data from a climate model to understand the regional variability of climate change in different US states (including their home state). Students learn the application of Excel as a graphing tool to manage large data sets by using real climate data. There is not enough information on the parameters that went into the model; a link is provided to background materials that indicate that the parameters that were used for the Canadian Climate Change model agree well with the IPCC model results, however, it would be better for an educator to have an overview of the exact parameters so that their validity could be discussed (especially if this activity will be used at the college-level). Summary of regional impacts of climate change is weak and not very complete. Very valuable to have students look at their home state because it makes climate change much more directly relevant. Comment from scientist: There is much more uncertainty about regional climate changes and impacts compared to global changes. It is important that this be emphasized during the lessons.
Well-designed activity with very clear screenshots that guide the user through the different steps. Students need to be familiar with Excel. There is an option of downloading the relevant data sets from the EET site without using the EOS -Webster interface, however the available data is comma-delimited (see instructions for import to Excel).