Overview

Students explore the strengths and limitations of models and update their models by incorporating new data. Students use the models to predict the impact of regional climate change on the Michigan cherry industry. Students learn what techniques are already being used by farmers to mitigate and adapt to the negative impacts a shifting climate has on cherry trees. Students also brainstorm and discuss further solutions to this issue.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

1. Explain the utility, strengths and limitations of their model and models more generally.

2. Examine and explain how new data is incorporated to improve model accuracy.

3. Use model to predict impact of regional climate change on the Michigan cherry industry.

4. Explain how Citizen Science data contributes to climate and phenology research.

5. Understand, propose and evaluate potential solutions to mitigate and adapt to the negative impacts that a shifting climate has on cherry trees.

Lesson 3 Standards