Earth's Changing Climate
Earth Science
Why is climate changing today?
Urban air temperatures are often higher than surrounding rural areas. Increased daytime temperatures, reduced nighttime cooling, and higher air pollution levels associated with Urban Heat Islands can affect human health by contributing to general discomfort, respiratory difficulties, heat cramps and exhaustion, non-fatal heat stroke, and heat-related mortality. With all of the negative side effects of Urban Heat Islands, why have they not been a major concern until recently? How are we dealing with them now, what are our plans for the future, and what solution do you think is best?
COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS DEFINED
What will I be able to do after this studio?
1.1 I can ask a scientific question
1.2 I can formulate a hypothesis
1.3 I can define and analyze variables
1.4 I can plan and organize an investigation
1.5 I can organize and strengthen the plan
1.6 I can test the prediction
1.7 I can iterate using results
2.1 I can make meaning of data collected
2.2 I can represent data
West Ada LEARNING CYCLE
To the left is our West Ada Academies Learning Cycle. This course is designed with content that fits into one of five categories: Engage, Explore, Practice, Apply, and Reflect. You will move through the stages of the learning cycle as you engage in the studio's driving questions, and then learn, practice, and apply the target skills listed above. When you get to the apply stage, you will make a presentation or use another method to show what you know. Finally, at each Milestone and again at the end of the studio, you will reflect on your project and what you have learned.
WORK ICONS
Throughout the course you will see these two icons. They will tell you whether you are able to complete each assignment individually, or whether it must be done collaboratively (with a partner or group).