How does climate affect weather?
This question is the first and foremost of the unit. The unit required of me to teach my students 3
rd
quarter in New Haven as well as per my school's magnet theme asks students to explain how climate in Connecticut effects the seasonal weather patterns, and furthermore connecting back to our 1
st
unit on Connecticut ecosystems, how does this weather effect the wildlife and ecosystems of Connecticut. Asking the students how weather effects climate grasps as the basis of my unit, and asks students not only to discuss these patterns in Connecticut, but also
how
and
why
climates exist, so that the answers about patterns in Connecticut come more easily to the students based upon the knowledge acquired in this unit. I will be using this question to frame the entire unit around a comprehensive understanding of climate and weather.
How does Earth’s location in the Solar System allow for life?
The basis for an understanding of climate is understanding where climate originates. Why do climates exist? Why are they different in different parts of the world, at different times of year? Why is Connecticut's climate different from other places at the same latitude? These are all questions that can be answered within the concept of understanding our Sun. Not only understanding our Sun, but understanding that our Sun in among millions of others- each star in the sky in another solar system like ours. But then, why is Earth the only planet with life? Exploring our position in relation to the Sun helps the students to understand the amazing and perfect recipe our distance is for creating life, and how fragile that life is. Everything works in a perfect balance, and (later discussed) humans are rocking that balance ever so slightly. Understanding Earth's position in the atmosphere, on it's own axis, and its movements around space are the very reasons for seasons, which of course dictate global climates. This question gives the students the background they need for understanding the importance of the Sun.
How does the Sun warm our atmosphere?
Delving deeper into the Sun being the reason for weather, this question will help students to explore the layers of our atmosphere, and what occurs in each layer. The cycles that allow Earth to function occur closest to the Earth's surface based upon the air in the atmosphere. Humans are filling that perfectly balanced atmosphere with unnatural amounts of Carbon Dioxide and other gases deadly in large amounts. With an appropriate amount of Carbon Dioxide, the atmosphere remains an appropriate temperature for life by the Sun's rays warming it. Therefore excessive amounts can cause a spike in temperature. This also effects climate. In order for students to understand climate and how it effects weather, they need to understand what climate change is as well, and they need to have a solid understanding of the theories and arguments circulating through the media and scientific world. Therefore it is crucial to discuss human interaction with the environment. Neglecting to address climate change would be neglecting to give my students a comprehensive understanding of global and local climate. Therefore understanding how the sun warms the air is crucial to understanding
how
humans can tip that scale.
How can we use renewable resources for energy?
Furthermore, I feel that in order to give my students a complete education of climate, it is crucial to include what alternative energy is, how we can use it, and how it would fix many of the human-caused disasters on our planet that effect cycles like the Greenhouse effect, Carbon Cycle amongst others, and how alternative energy can help to halt that misuse of Earth's resources. It is crucial for students to understand the cost of burning fossil fuels, and how those costs-monetary, environmental and political-can be offset with alternative energy sources using the Sun and wind which occur naturally and without charge. I have experienced a sense of overwhelmment amongst my students when discussing what human's have done, so I too try and offset some of that. I feel it is important for students to learn about small things they can do on a daily basis to help out the environment. And that the more they know, they more they can spread the word about creating a healthier planet.