ARM’s Lesson Plans

Topics: Various Aspects of Climate Change Global Warming

Source: U.S. Department of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program Educational Center

Web Address: http://education.arm.gov/teacherslounge/lessons.stml

Grade Levels: 3-8

Learning Strategies: Various

Frameworks Connections:

Science and Technology/Engineering

• Earth and Space Science, Grades 3-5

  Weather
  The Water Cycle
  Earth’s History
  

• Earth and Space Science, Grades 6-8

  Earth’s History
  

• Life Sciences, Grades 6-8

  Living Things in their Environment
  Changes in Ecosystems Over Time
  

• Physical Sciences, Grades 3-5

  Forms of Energy
  

• Physical Sciences, Grades 6-8

  Properties of Matter
  Heat Energy

Cost: Free

Description: These online lesson plans are based on information about climate change and sea level originally presented in the Curriculum Modules for the Pacific Schools. The topics covered by an assortment of lessons include the gases that make up the atmosphere, atmospheric pressure, climate, acid rain, and the greenhouse effect. Each of the lessons includes background information for the lesson, materials, objectives, preparation, and procedure. All of the information is provided in a teacher-guided format and references are made to a guided discussion for continued learning .

The website includes links to quizzes, news, and an “ask the scientist” link where students can interact with scientists on information they are curious about. With the various choices open to students and teachers, each aspect of climate change can be reviewed to the degree desired. The interactive aspect of the website allows for sufficient follow-up and further explorations about the effects of climate change on the planet.