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Extensive Climate Education resources are available through CLEAN and the Teach the Earth climate collection.

Activity: Last Glacial Maximum - CLEAN

SERC On The Cutting Edge At http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/search.html?search_text=cutting+edge+collection&Search=search
Initial Publication Date: April 29, 2016

Summary

SUMMARY

Activity takes two class periods. Computers with Internet access required.

This activity has been selected for inclusion in the CLEAN Collection based on the following review comments:

In this activity for undergraduates, students explore the CLIMAP (Climate: Long-Range Investigation, Mapping and Prediction) model results for differences between the modern and the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and discover the how climate and vegetation may have changed in different regions of the Earth based on scientific data.


Learning Goals

Goals by activity author:

  • This set of animations and interactive simulations from the Byrd Polar Research Center at Ohio State University help students develop an understanding models used to understand the Earth System.
  • Students consider the types of data that need to be included in a climate model, looking at inputs and outputs as well as variables, such as land surface, and how to measure changes of different parts of the Earth's surface over time.

Context for Use

Teaching Notes / Context For Use by CLEAN Reviewers:

Teaching Tips

  • Lesson should start with an introduction to the model that was used in the CLIMAP study.

About the Science

  • Engages learners in critical scientific thought by discussing the assumptions made in the CLIMAP study in 1976 and 1984 compared to what we know now about climate change since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).
  • Model output data is somewhat dated, but because it is focused on paleoclimatic data it still provides valid information about the climatic conditions during the last glacial maximum.
  • Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.

About the Pedagogy

  • Skimming scientific papers, graphing data on maps and interpretation of maps/data engages students of different learning styles.
  • Group work or jigsaw approach will be very effective.
  • PowerPoint and student handout are provided. Follow-up questions are suggested.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

  • Well-designed and relevant materials available. Only background reading is not provided digitally.

Description and Teaching Materials

Explore >> Last Glacial Maximum

Teaching Notes and Tips

Teaching Notes / Context For Use by CLEAN Reviewers:

Teaching Tips

  • Lesson should start with an introduction to the model that was used in the CLIMAP study.

About the Science

  • Engages learners in critical scientific thought by discussing the assumptions made in the CLIMAP study in 1976 and 1984 compared to what we know now about climate change since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).
  • Model output data is somewhat dated, but because it is focused on paleoclimatic data it still provides valid information about the climatic conditions during the last glacial maximum.
  • Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.

About the Pedagogy

  • Skimming scientific papers, graphing data on maps and interpretation of maps/data engages students of different learning styles.
  • Group work or jigsaw approach will be very effective.
  • PowerPoint and student handout are provided. Follow-up questions are suggested.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

  • Well-designed and relevant materials available. Only background reading is not provided digitally.

Assessment

Assessment by activity author:

Assignment or exam question: Ask the students to compare their results from the model output exercise with those described in the CLIMAP papers and in the textbook.

Assignment or take home exam question: Ask students how they would redesign the CLIMAP study base on what we know today about the LGM? What different assumptions would they use and what variables would they examine in order to further the state of knowledge of glacial to modern climate change.

References and Resources

Related URLs: These related sites were noted by our reviewers but not been reviewed by CLEAN