Paleoclimate: A History of Change

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High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
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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

One to two 50-minute class periods to complete the Click & Learn and its associated worksheet.

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

Date Published
Date Updated

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

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