One of the most hotly discussed issues today is that of global climate change. The vast majority of scientists across many fields agree that the world is changing rapidly and that the effects can be seen everywhere. These lessons will discuss address the suspected causes of this problem, but will focus more on current research (using first hand sources when possible) into the adverse impact the change is having on various ecosystems and communities. Environmental organizations, governmental policies, and changes in the marketplace can also be discussed to show how the world is responding to this crisis.

Goals

1. Make students aware that the Earth’s climate is changing dramatically, and that whatever the cause(s) might be, the effects are significant and catastrophic.
2. Familiarize students with how governments, companies, non-profit organizations, scientists, and the general public work together in addressing serious societal concerns.
3. Show students how they can make a difference by writing letters and voicing concerns to their government, volunteering with local organizations, etc.

Objectives

1. Students will read current research about the effects of global climate change, including its impact on diverse ecosystems around the world and how those changes are in turn causing problems for society.
2. Students will learn about what their local, state, and national governments are doing in terms of reducing their adverse impact on the environment. This will include guest speakers when possible. Students will also write a letter to a politician about an issue that is of concern to them.
3. Students will read about different non-profit organizations that are involved in addressing the problem of global climate change. This may include the class or different student groups choosing an organization to join or to contact for more information about getting involved.

Resources & Websites

1. EPA Climate Change Kids Site
   A good, short summary of the climate change problem, including the difference between climate and weather, the Greenhouse Effect, ways of monitoring the climate and its history, what we can do to make a difference, and the impact that climate change is having.
2. Climate Change Education & Global Warming Kids
   A pair of sites that provides a lot of interactive features for teaching kids of all ages about global warming.