3-7: Earth is Heating Up

A. Causes and Effects of Climate Change

One thing we can be certain of is that the Earth’s temperature has been increasing since the 1880s. This increase is one of the major reasons why people are worried about whether or not our planet will still be livable by 2050.  What do you know about climate change? 

Directions: Read each statement. Drag the causes of climate change to the first column and the effects of climate change to the second column.

B. Read

Let’s learn more about how the Earth’s temperature has increased and how it supports life on Earth.  

As you read, answer these questions and write any of your facts in the “Fact Finder” portion of your Mission Log. 

  • What has caused Earth’s temperature to increase? 
  • What is the greenhouse effect, and why is it important? 
  • What is the relationship between climate change and seasons?

C. Summarize

You’ve learned a lot about why Earth’s closeness to the Sun makes Earth livable for humans. You’ve also learned that Earth is getting warmer.  Now it’s time to summarize your new knowledge. You can use this summary to help you decide what this makes you think about the future. 

 

Directions: Use the words in the word bank to complete the paragraph.

D. The 2023 Canadian Wildfires

In 2023, we got a glimpse of how natural disasters, such as wildfires, can impact our everyday lives. The Canadian wildfires were one such example. 

Directions: Use the slideshow below to learn about the 2023 Canadian wildfires. As you view the slides, ask yourself: 

  • How do wildfires impact the oxygen available for humans and other animals? 
  • What would happen if the number of wildfires around the world continues to increase? 
  • How could you use empathy to help people impacted by a wildfire?

E. Are Wildfires Getting Worse?

NASA studies space, but they also study conditions on our planet. They have been observing and researching wildfires on Earth for many years. Watch the video to learn more about what NASA has noticed about wildfires. As you watch the video, think about what can be done to reduce the effects of wildfires. 

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