Mr. Ahearn
What is this website about?
This website has been created to provide middle school level students an introduction to the topic of Climate Change. It has been developed by Ryan Ahearn as a part of a graduate independent study at the University of Massachusetts Amherst .
Climate Change or Global Warming?
The terms "Climate Change" and "Global Warming" have been used interchangeably to describe the current conditions that are occurring on Earth; but are really two different but related phenomena. Climate is the summative conditions of a particular area (temperature, humidity, pressure, wind and rainfall) over a long period of time (approximately 30 years). So climate change is when these conditions shift, which they have done several times throughout Earth's history. Global warming is when the average temperature of the atmosphere near the Earth's surface rises, which can contribute to a change in climate patterns. Global warming has both natural and human origins. Typically global warming is attributed to emission of greenhouse gases (GHG's) from human activities.
What's the Controversy?
Whether you hear the terms "Global Warming" or "Climate Change", there seems to exist a controversy. Some individuals say they don't believe it's happening. Some say it is happening but humans have nothing to do with it. In our society, people are free to say what they would like but this leads to great misconceptions. The truth can get cloudy and terms such as the word "theory" end up meaning different things.
Science is a tool in which individuals can systematically sort through measurable evidence and come to a conclusion based on that evidence. Ideas and feelings are important, but they must be substantiated through measurable data. That is the purpose of this unit. The students will have the opportunity to look at videos, readings, and do activities to see for themselves what Climate Change is!
A great way to start this unit is by watching the 10 min History Channel video below. Then have a class discussion on the students thoughts and the meaning of the word "Theory". After, the class should systematically work through the activities in the pages of this website.
Good Luck, Have Fun and Enjoy!
Science is a tool in which individuals can systematically sort through measurable evidence and come to a conclusion based on that evidence. Ideas and feelings are important, but they must be substantiated through measurable data. That is the purpose of this unit. The students will have the opportunity to look at videos, readings, and do activities to see for themselves what Climate Change is!
A great way to start this unit is by watching the 10 min History Channel video below. Then have a class discussion on the students thoughts and the meaning of the word "Theory". After, the class should systematically work through the activities in the pages of this website.
Good Luck, Have Fun and Enjoy!
