Understanding Carbon and Human Impacts to Climate Change

Author: Tiffani Smith

Grade Level: 9th Grade

Class/Subject: Earth and Space Science

Objective: To personalize and learn about the role of carbon in the atmosphere and the individual’s role in contributing to climate change.

Investigating the Impact of Climate Change on Ocean Acidification

Author: Nikki Moriarty

Grade Level: 9th Grade

Class/Subject: Earth Science

Objective: In this lab, students will explore the concept of climate change and its impact on ocean acidification. They will analyze data, conduct experiments, and make connections between Earth's systems. 

Part 1: What is Albedo and its Relationship with Surface Color and Temperature?

Author: Jaime Moss

Grade Level: High School

Class/Subject: Environmental Studies

Part 1 Objective: This two-day lab explores the relationship between surface temperatures, albedo, and greenhouse gases. Students will use a thermal gun to measure the surface temperatures of different colored items and analyze how albedo and the decline of green spaces contribute to the changing Earth's surface and the increase in world temperatures. Students will practice graphing skills by averaging the data collected by six different groups. 

Part 2: Investigating Albedo and Greenhouse Gases: Surface Temperature Analysis

Author: Jaime Moss

Grade Level: High School

Class/Subject: Environmental Studies

See Part 1 Objective: (This lesson follows Part 1, "What is Albedo and its Relationship with Surface Color and Temperature?")

Tick Takeover!

Author: Alyssa Hanna

Grade Level: 11th and 12th Grade

Class/Subject: Environmental Science

Objective: To determine how climate change has impacted tick populations and Lyme disease rates in West Virginia. The activities should come after an introductory lecture (or other activity) on climate change that gives students a basic understanding of the causes and effects of climate change. The activities were developed to help students relate to climate change and its impacts in our daily lives in West Virginia. Many of my students hunt or hike and have frequent encounters with ticks and know people who have had Lyme disease or have had Lyme disease themselves. 

"Tick Takeover Life Cycle" PowerPoint included.

Urban Heat Island Effect: Controlled Experiment

Author: Karen Mauro

Grade Level: 11th and 12th Grade

Class/Subject: Environmental Studies

Objective: In this controlled experiment students will use IRT's, Kestrel Weather Instrument, and Globe Observer App to collect data that will support the hypothesis: The severity of the 31-day heat wave that struck Phoenix, AZ in summer 2023 could be reduced significantly by changing the present surfaces exposed to the sun to more reflective and permeable surfaces.

Climate Change Affects Us All

Author: Michele Martin

Grades: 6th-8th  Grade

Class/Subject: General Science

Objective: Students examine the species of their choice, including each species’ ecosystem; identify threats to the ecosystem; and research each threat’s relationship to climate change. Students also identify climate change effects in West Virginia, including flooding, using the WV Flood Tool.

Man vs. Volcano

Author: Alicen Adkins

Grade Level: 7th Grade (could be used for 6th-9th)

Class/Subject: General Science (or Earth Science)

Objectives: Students will be able to describe the greenhouse effect, climate change, the effects of volcanic emissions on global temperatures, how human activity influences global temperatures. Students will also compare/contrast the effect of human activity and volcanic eruptions on climate change.