It is unknown if cloud cover increases in response to carbon dioxide levels changing, helping climate change slow down, or if cloud cover decreases, allowing Earth to warm faster. Part four in the series of five lessons has classes explore other factors that are impacted by an increase in carbon dioxide. Participants analyze and discuss temperature, precipitation, and cloud cover data. Following those activities, individuals then use the MY NASA DATA website to determine if global patterns of climate change are happening in their areas and specific cities around the world. 

Concepts

climate change, precipitation, cloud cover, carbon dioxide, weather

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Model how to complete each portion of the lab and then allow for pairs to complete before moving to the next section; this develops more on-task and successful behaviors
• Pair pupils together in order for more peer-to-peer help

Classroom Considerations

• Teachers will want to familiarize themselves with the MY NASA DATA site before completing the lab in class

Pros

• Activity includes background information, directions, links to resources and individual worksheets
• A second option includes having classes investigate extreme weather events as well

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.7