Unveiling the Anthropocene: A History of Climate Science
Lesson Description
Video Resource
Key Concepts
- The history of climate science and its evolution
- The Anthropocene and its various proposed 'golden spikes'
- The role of human activity in climate change and potential solutions
Learning Objectives
- Students will be able to describe the historical progression of climate science.
- Students will be able to identify key scientists and their contributions to climate science.
- Students will be able to analyze the concept of the Anthropocene and its implications.
- Students will be able to evaluate the role of human activity in climate change.
Educator Instructions
- Introduction (5 mins)
Begin by showing the 'Blue Marble' image and discussing its significance in the environmental movement. Briefly introduce the concept of the Anthropocene and the impact of human activities on the planet. - Video Viewing (15 mins)
Play the 'Climate Science: Crash Course History of Science #45' video. Instruct students to take notes on key scientists, discoveries, and concepts presented in the video. - Discussion (15 mins)
Facilitate a class discussion based on the video content and discussion questions. Encourage students to share their thoughts, interpretations, and questions about the material. - Interactive Exercise: Timeline Creation (15 mins)
Students create a timeline of key events and discoveries in climate science, including scientists, publications, and major milestones like the establishment of the IPCC and the ban on CFCs. - Conclusion (5 mins)
Summarize the main points of the lesson and reiterate the importance of understanding climate science in addressing environmental challenges. Assign the quiz for assessment.
Interactive Exercises
- Timeline Creation
Students work individually or in small groups to create a timeline of key events and discoveries in climate science. This activity reinforces understanding of the historical context.
Discussion Questions
- Why were scientists initially hesitant to accept the evidence of climate change?
- What is the significance of the Keeling Curve?
- What are the different proposed 'golden spikes' for the Anthropocene, and why are they significant?
- How has the role of scientists shifted in the face of climate change?
- What are some of the ethical considerations for scientists working on climate change solutions?
Skills Developed
- Critical thinking
- Historical analysis
- Data interpretation
- Communication
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1:
Which scientist is known for the Keeling Curve, which tracks atmospheric CO2 concentrations?
Correct Answer: Charles Keeling
Question 2:
What is the Anthropocene?
Correct Answer: A proposed geological epoch defined by significant human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems
Question 3:
Which of the following is NOT a proposed 'golden spike' for the Anthropocene?
Correct Answer: The invention of the printing press
Question 4:
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established by which organization?
Correct Answer: World Meteorological Organisation
Question 5:
What was the main purpose of banning chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?
Correct Answer: To repair the hole in the Earth's ozone layer
Question 6:
What did Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway reveal about fossil fuel companies?
Correct Answer: They hired PR agents to create doubt about climate science.
Question 7:
What is geoengineering?
Correct Answer: The intentional, large-scale manipulation of the environment to combat climate change
Question 8:
What ethical dilemma might a geologist working for an oil company face?
Correct Answer: Whether to report findings that could harm the company's profits
Question 9:
What is the 'Great Acceleration'?
Correct Answer: A period of rapid, often exponential growth in human population and resource consumption
Question 10:
Which species' bones are suggested as a potential marker for the Anthropocene due to their abundance?
Correct Answer: Chicken
Fill in the Blank Questions
Question 1:
The era in which some humans have greatly impacted the Blue Marble is known as the _________.
Correct Answer: Anthropocene
Question 2:
The _________ Effect describes how heat-trapping gases are trapped in the atmosphere, not absorbed quickly enough by the oceans, which causes global warming.
Correct Answer: Greenhouse
Question 3:
The _________ Curve is a clear arc over time showing that the planet is warming and CO2 is rising.
Correct Answer: Keeling
Question 4:
The Trinity Test, which used a(n) _________, is a possible golden spike for the beginning of the Anthropocene.
Correct Answer: atomic bomb
Question 5:
_________, also known as climate engineering, is the intentional, global-scale transformation of the environment to combat global warming and other disruptions.
Correct Answer: Geoengineering
Question 6:
Many pollinators, such as honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies are dying out due to _________ damage from pesticides.
Correct Answer: off-target
Question 7:
The period of the Great Acceleration also gave rise to the first _________, or urban areas with over ten million people.
Correct Answer: megacities
Question 8:
English inventor _________ correctly predicted rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration in 1938.
Correct Answer: Guy Callendar
Question 9:
The _________ movement in France is a recent example of conflict regarding who should pay for solutions to global-scale problems.
Correct Answer: Yellow Vest
Question 10:
In reaction to massive urbanization, humans have also set aside more land as _________ or greenways.
Correct Answer: national parks
Educational Standards
Teaching Materials
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