Science 10AP Climate Project
The climate experienced by any location on Earth is influenced by a number of major factors. When you think about the vast differences in the places on Earth, it is surprising that there are as few different kinds of climates as there are. Human activities seem to be linked to rising temperatures worldwide, and a possible changing of climates that might occur as a result.
The issue of climate change is a politically and emotionally charged one. If you believe the reports you see in the media, you might be led to believe anything from "there is nothing wrong at all" to "the end of the world is in sight". As usual, the truth is somewhere in between these two extremes.
In this project you are to do some research in the area of climate, global warming, and climate change. You are also to make a comparison of two different locations on Earth - their biomes and how they relate to the climates in which they exist.
Unit 4 Lab
At the end of your research and experimentation you will hand in:
1. A group write-up of your biome comparison. This will include:
- a map showing where your places are. On the map, indicate any ocean currents, wind patterns, mountain ranges or any other geographical features that influence the climate of your two sites.
- an explanation of how those factors influence the climate of your two sites
- a climate graph of each of the two places. Indicate the latitude and altitude of your two sites on the graphs.
- a description of the biomes in which your two sites exist.
- a description of some adaptations that plants and animals would need to have to live in your two sites. Include an explanation of why these adaptations would be useful in these places.
*For directions on creating your graph, click here.
*For a direct link to our resources, click here.
Unit 4 Research
In addition, individually, answer the following questions:
1. Define the terms: greenhouse effect, global warming, and climate change.
2. Select one of the articles written about global warming. Summarize the
article. Try to find out who the author of the article is, what that person
does for living, and whether that person really does know what they're
talking about. Is this person a credible source of information? (One way
to answer this question is to ask yourself whether this person stands to
make money if they convince you that their argument is valid.)
3. Explain the process of computer modeling to predict future climates.
4. What do pollen cores, ice cores, and isotopic geochemistry have to do with
paleoclimates (and what are paleoclimates anyway)?
5. Why would shifting biomes be an indication of climate change?
When selecting your article use the LearnAlberta database Opposing Viewpoints, or Infotrack databases Global Issues in Context or Greenr.