Scientists can model global surface temperature with and without considering human emissions, but does do these factors really make a difference? Two interactive graphs demonstrate some factors that affect climate change. The first graph shows atmospheric CO2 concentration. The second graph displays observed global average surface temperate along with two different prediction models, one with human emissions considered and one without.

Concepts

carbon dioxide, temperature, global warming, climate change, carbon emissions, emissions

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Extend the graphs from 2010 to the present day
• Discuss how the observed temperature measurements were taken and what they are related to

Classroom Considerations

• Heavily relies on understanding and interpreting graphs

Pros

• Both graphs cover more than a century worth of data
• Moving the slider updates both graphs simultaniously for ease of comparison

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.4 RST.6-8.7 RST.9-10.4 RST.9-10.7 RST.11-12.4 RST.11-12.7