introduction/directions:

Climate Change is a significant change in the climate over time. Climate is different from weather.  Weather is the current conditions of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness, wind, and atmospheric pressure. Weather conditions are temporary and change frequently. Climate is the weather in a location averaged over a long period of time (decades, at least). Changes in climate are extremely complex, both to understand and to solve. Due to the greenhouse effect, increased level of CO2 and other greenhouses gasses in the atmosphere have a warming effect on the planet.  Known as global warming, these climatic changes have cascading, feedback effects that interact with earth's systems and cycles, including the carbon cycle, water cycle, global weather patterns, and diverse ecosystems around the planet.  

This exercise seeks to introduce some of the complex, interconnected Big Problems caused by global climate change and have participants develop their own Big Ideas that help solve these problems and contribute to ecological protection & restoration for the benefit of our beautiful planet and all who live here! 

Make sure that you have a copy of the tracking sheet ready, and then click below to begin the activity!  You'll start by choosing a Big Problem, work your way through that section by reading the information and following the prompts, and then move on to Big Ideas to brainstorm and develop solutions.