SC15.ESS.14

Science (2015) Grade(s): 09-12 - Earth and Space Science

SC15.ESS.14

Construct explanations from evidence to describe how changes in the flow of energy through Earth’s systems (e.g., volcanic eruptions, solar output, ocean circulation, surface temperatures, precipitation patterns, glacial ice volumes, sea levels, Coriolis effect) impact the climate.

Unpacked Content

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Climate changes can occur if any of Earth's systems change.
  • Some climate changes were rapid shifts (volcanic eruptions, meteoric impacts, changes in ocean currents), other were gradual and longer term-due, for example to the rise of plants and other life forms that modified the atmosphere via photosynthesis.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Analyze data to explain aspects of how energy flow impacts climate.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Natural factors that cause climate changes over human time scales include variations in the sun's energy output, ocean circulation patterns, atmospheric composition, and volcanic activity.

Vocabulary

  • volcanic eruption
  • solar output
  • ocean circulation
  • surface temperature
  • precipitation patterns
  • glacial ice volumes
  • sea levels
  • Coriolis effect
  • jet stream

Aligned Learning Resources

Test Your Knowledge on Climate Change!
Video Mash-Up
Historical Climate Analysis Activity
ALSDE LOGO

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