Spark critical thinking with a RIGOROUS CLIMATE CHANGE DATA AND CER ACTIVITY!
This Climate Change data analysis activity gets students analyzing REAL-WORLD CLIMATE DATA while applying their understanding of key climate science concepts, including greenhouse gases, rising global temperatures, atmospheric CO₂, ocean acidification, melting ice, sea level rise, carbon sinks, and renewable energy.
Students rotate through 14 data analysis stations, reading short scientific explanations and interpreting data tables and graphs to construct Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) responses.
Includes both paper-based and digital Google Slides options to assign.
⭐ You may also be interested in my Climate Change Unit! ⭐
HOW IT WORKS: Students visit 14 NO PREP stations. At each, students will:
- READ a brief passage on each station card. The station card explains a real-world scientific concept related to climate change and includes a DATA TABLE or GRAPH for students to analyze.
- Answer the given question to make a CLAIM based on EVIDENCE. Students use information from the text and data to support their answer and explain their REASONING. Students are not guessing. Each question guides them toward a clear, evidence-based response in CER format.
The 14 NO PREP Stations Cover the Following Topics:
- global land-surface temperature change
- atmospheric CO₂ and global temperature
- greenhouse gases and infrared radiation
- atmospheric methane
- changing atmospheric CO₂ levels
- human sources of CO₂ emissions
- atmospheric CO₂ and ocean pH
- ocean acidification and shell growth
- glacier area changes
- Arctic sea ice extent
- global sea level rise
- atmospheric CO₂ over the past 800,000 years
- carbon sinks and human CO₂ emissions
- growth of solar and wind power capacity
Related Standards:
- NGSS MS-ESS3-5: Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.
- NGSS Science and Engineering Practice – Engaging in Argument from Evidence: Students use scientific data as evidence to support claims and explain their reasoning.
- NGSS Science and Engineering Practice – Analyzing and Interpreting Data: Students analyze graphs, tables, and other data displays to identify patterns and relationships.
Teacher Notes:
- You may also be interested in my Climate Change Unit!
- Works well individually, with partners, or in small groups. Stations can be completed in any order.
- Includes a complete answer key with sample claims, evidence, and reasoning.
- Please note that this Climate Change Data and CER Activity is NOT editable.
- GO PAPERLESS! Use the included digital Google Slides option to assign!
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