Paleoclimate: A History of Change

Resource Type
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Description
This interactive module examines Earth’s past and present climate, highlighting the effects of two important factors: solar radiation and the composition of the atmosphere.
Earth's climate is a complex system controlled by many factors. This Click & Learn explores the history of our climate over millions of years, during both warmer and colder periods. The Click & Learn also sheds light on the causes, implications, and severity of current climate change.
The accompanying “Worksheet” guides students’ exploration of the Click & Learn.
Student Learning Targets
- Identify key factors influencing Earth’s climate, including solar radiation and the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide).
- Describe how and why Earth’s climate has changed over time.
- Summarize the concept of climate change and the factors that contribute to it.
Estimated Time
Key Terms
carbon dioxide (CO2), foraminifera, global warming, greenhouse effect, ice age, mass extinction, oxygen isotope, solar radiation
Terms of Use
Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.
Version History
NGSS (2013)
HS-ESS2-2, HS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-6, HS-ESS3-5; SEP4, SEP6
AP Biology (2019)
SYI-3.E; SP2, SP5
IB Biology (2016)
4.4
AP Environmental Science (2020)
Topic(s): 4.4, 4.5, 4.7, 4.8, 9.3
Learning Objectives & Practices: ERT-4.D, ERT-4.E, ENG-2.A, ENG-2.B, STB-4.D, SP7
IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)
7.2
Common Core (2010)
ELA.RST.9–12.7
Math.N-Q.1, Math.A-CED.1; MP2
Vision and Change (2009)
CC5; DP1, DP4