Lesson 1:
Currents & the Warming of Our Oceans
One little-discussed topic when thinking about the impacts of climate change is that of ocean currents, and how their disruption might impact the modern world. Currents move around and balance out the planet's heat, and therefore understanding them is the key to understanding the broader impacts of climate change.
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
#1 - Practice listening and comprehension skills through the identification of details and summarization of critical concepts surrounding the impact of climate change upon oceans.
#2 - Gain a deeper understanding of various oceanic terms and concepts surrounding climate change, such as ocean currents, heating, and acidification.
#3 - Gain a global perspective of the climate change and its oceanic impacts.
#4 - Demonstrate critical thinking skills through analyzing the issue of climate change and its oceanic impacts.
#5 - Develop a personal sense of responsibility and empowerment to address the issue of climate change through reflection.
#6 - Practice their speaking skills through engaging in a discussion that demonstrates their listening and comprehension abilities.
Class Time Needed for Activity: 90 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes before class to print out copies of resources listed below, review material (if you do not feel comfortable with the material- there are some videos linked in the resources section at the end of the lesson plan), and prepare video. Please share the slides with your students as it has a link for them to begin their term project. You will start the project during class so you can address any questions as the students begin.
Resources Needed:
Copies of Pre-Listening: Key Vocabulary Terms SheetPre-Listening: Key Vocabulary Terms Sheetto pass out to each student
Copies of While-Listening: Student Questions for Intro Video A While-Listening: Student Questions for Intro Video B to pass out to each student
One copy of Teacher Answer Key to While-Listening Intro Video QuestionsTeacher Answer Key to While-Listening Intro Video Questions for teacher reference
One copy of Post- Listening: Discussion Questions on Intro VideoPost- Listening: Discussion Questions on Intro Videofor teacher reference.
One copy of Post- Listening: Discussion Questions on Intro Video for Students for the teacher to project during small group and class discussion.
Copies of Student Handout Lesson One for each student.
One copy of Teacher Handout Lesson One for teacher reference.
Lesson One CurrentsLesson One Currents presentation slides for teacher and students.
Introductory Blurb: This lesson is meant to act as an introduction to the social justice topic of the oceanic impacts of climate change. The main purpose is to present students with the basic background information about ocean currents, how they move, and what they impact.
Caveats:
Vocabulary: Be aware of the level of knowledge your students are entering this discussion with. Some students may need additional introductory vocabulary. If you are unsure, you can ask students to note any words they don’t understand on their worksheet. You can then review these terms during your worksheet review.
Options:
An alternative option for the pre-listening activity is to substitute the overview of vocabulary with a general class discussion about climate change. This would be effective in gauging the students' existing knowledge of climate change as a whole, and to see if they understand how it impacts the ocean. You can use this time to guide the conversation, integrating in the vocabulary to see if students are familiar with the vocabulary terms that would otherwise be presented upon. If they do not, a brief overview of the vocabulary that they don’t know would be needed.
References and Further Reading:
URL link for video used as listening content:
Appendix:
Appendix A: Oceans and climate
Appendix B: Pre-Listening: Key Vocabulary Terms Sheet
Appendix C: While-Listening: Student Questions for Intro Video A
Appendix D: While-Listening: Student Questions for Intro Video B
Appendix E: Teacher Answer Key to While-Listening Intro Video Questions
Appendix F: Post- Listening: Discussion Questions on Intro Video
Appendix G: Post- Listening: Discussion Questions on Intro Video for Students
Appendix H: Student Handout Lesson One
Appendix I: Lesson One Teacher Information
Appendix J: Lesson One Currents
Appendix K: Carbon Footprint Activity and Assignment: Directions for Students