Some of the CO2 emitted by burning fossil fuels is removed from the atmosphere by natural sinks, such as the ocean. The fifth engaging lesson in the series of 21 examines the CO2 data from three very different locations. It then makes a connection to the seasonal vegetation amounts before scholars examine the long-term trend when it comes to weather and climate change.

Concepts

carbon dioxide, fossil fuels, deforestation, the carbon cycle, vegetation

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Extend the lesson to include data from the southern hemisphere as well

Classroom Considerations

• Requires prior knowledge of the carbon cycle and the layers of the atmosphere
• If pupils are still struggling with interpreting graphs, add extra practice before this lesson

Pros

• Offers a two pages of tech tips for anyone struggling with the resources and process
• Designed for the National Science Education Standards, National Education Technology Standards, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Education Standards, Climate Literacy Principles, and Energy Literacy Principles
• Provides answer keys for every activity, discussion, and assignment

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.1 RST.9-10.3 RST.9-10.7 RST.11-12.1 RST.11-12.3 RST.11-12.7