Learning Objectives

• Students will understand that scientists use a variety of data to make conclusions

• Students will understand how the steps of the scientific method are used in real world situations

• Students will understand that climate change is occurring in Colorado

• Students will be able to describe some ramifications of climate change in Colorado

Teaching Process

Warm Up:

News stories in the local papers talk about climate change occurring in CO. What are your thoughts on this subject? What evidence would you use to support your hypothesis?
(Do a think pair share and have kids report out)

Show 2 Climate Videos
Clip #1: Colorado and a Warming Planet (see attached)
Clip #2: Hotter, Drier Colorado (see attached)

Analyzing Data:

1. Model how to fill out the Part A: Individual and Group Observation sheet with the class

2. Divide each class into 8 groups and assign them one of the following topics:

- Snow Pack

- Yearly Precipitation

- Average Yearly Temperature

- Frequency of Forest Fires

- Peak River Flow Days

- Glaciers

- Changes in Latitudinal Location of Bird Species

3. In groups have students fill in the topic and their hypothesis on the Part A: Individual and Group Observation sheet

4. Then have students analyze the data and fill in the rest of the Part A: Group Data Analysis sheet

5. Assign a recorder, a presenter, facilitator, time keeper within the group

6. Give students time to prepare their presentations

7. Hand out the Part B: Summary of Group Data sheet

8. Have each group present; at the conclusion of each presentation have students fill in the appropriate part of the
Part B worksheet

9. Summarize all of the findings with the class

10. Show 3rd Colorado Climate Video: Listening to Colorado's Ecology

11. Hand out Part C: Conclusion worksheet and have students write a newspaper article summarizing the class findings

Assessment/Evaluation

Students will complete a newspaper article about Climate Change.
See materials section Part C for prompt and rubric.