Burning Up!

                                              A Closer Look at Global Warming

OBJECTIVES     

• The student describes environmental problems in the local community.

• The student knows that the activities of humans affects plants and animals in many ways.

• The student collects information on and proposes solutions to environmental problems.

• The student recognizes how the communities have changed over time.

• The student states the importance of cooperation in human relationships.

• The student demonstrates the importance of being an active member of the community.

DURATION

Two-three one hour periods

MATERIALS                                                                                                                                                 Book: Climate Crisis by Nigel Hawkes, a globe, picture of earth on fire

VOCABULARY   

 ozone, greenhouse effect, El Nino, global warming, climate,  EPA Glossary  from a-z about the environment.  It can be used for all lessons.

PROCEDURE

1.  Show students a globe, a picture of the sun or fire.  Or you can draw an earth on fire.
2.  Ask students to look at this scenario and predict what this lesson will be about.  Have students record their predictions in their writing journals.  
3.  Read the book:  Climate Crisis by Nigel Hawkes.
This book looks back at the earth's past and how the climate has changed through the years. It discusses the effects of global warming such as the greenhouse effect, the new system of  "El Nino" and how storms are more frequent as the temperature has risen.   The author talks about how human activity has had a major impact on the problem and concludes with various solutions.  It gives the reader tips on what they can do to help.  

4.  Discuss:  What is global warming?

    a. What causes global warming?

    b. What is the main effect of global warming?

    c. What can be done to stop global warming?

5.  Students will search the web to see a movie and find out more about global warming at: BrainPop. 

Then let Tiki The Penguin  from One World Organization tell you all about global warming.

Professor Polar Bear   from ARM tells beginners about global warming. 

Three Kids from Wisconsin  have something to say about the subject. 

The Kids Ecology Corps  click on Environments and locate Global Warming. 

6.  After reading the story and doing research in the net, the student will make a concept map to show  what global warming is. (A concept map is a drawing explaining  the concept as the student understands it).  This may be done by hand since it may be hard to do in the computer, but they can try any drawing software. 

7.  The student will label their concept map to explain what causes global warming.  

8.  The student will  read about what the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) says can be done about global warming.  We Can Make A Difference  Then write an expository to explain what you can do to help stop global warming. 

EXTENSIONS

1. Invite a local meteorologist to talk to the class and share how the weather has been changing through the years.

2. The student will check out their local newspaper web page. Go to weather and check out the temperature for the last five years on August 1st.  Make a graph that shows their findings.

HOME LEARNING

The student will write a persuasive letter against global warming  and send them to this organization: Defenders of Wildlife.  This site is for teachers. You may get information or write against global warming.  You can send your students letters to them.

EVALUATION

1. The student will create a concept map showing understanding of how global warming works.

2. The student will write to explain the causes of global warming and what you can do to help stop it.