Activity Overview
Global warming has been linked to many unfortunate changes on Earth. Ice has been melting worldwide as global temperatures have increased. This melting ice, alongside the thermal expansion of the oceans, is leading to an increase in sea levels. Rising sea levels can lead to more coastal flooding and could damage some aquatic habitats. The change in temperatures can also affect populations of animals, like the Adélie penguins, who have had a reduction in the amount of space they can dwell in Antarctica. This change in habitat has led to a reduction in their numbers. More extreme weather, like hurricanes and storms, have been experienced by many parts of the world. Floods and droughts could also become more common as the planet’s temperature increases further.
In this activity, students will create a spider map that examines some of the effects that global warming has on our planet. This activity could be carried out at the start of the topic to gauge students ideas, or at the end of a topic as a summative assessment to see what your students have learned. As an extension, have your students rank the effects in order of severity, then get them to justify why they chose that order. Have students look at how different parts of the world are affected by climate change.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map that describes four effects of global warming.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify four effects in the title boxes.
- Write a sentence describing each one.
- Illustrate the effect using a combination of scenes, characters, and items, or use Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples | There are at least four cells each giving the effects of global warming. | There are at least two cells each giving the effects of global warming. | There is a least one cell giving an effect of global warming. |
| Each storyboard cell clearly illustrates an effect of global warming. | Each storyboard cell relates to an effect of global warming, but is difficult to understand. | Each storyboard cell does not clearly relate an effect of global warming. | |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
Global warming has been linked to many unfortunate changes on Earth. Ice has been melting worldwide as global temperatures have increased. This melting ice, alongside the thermal expansion of the oceans, is leading to an increase in sea levels. Rising sea levels can lead to more coastal flooding and could damage some aquatic habitats. The change in temperatures can also affect populations of animals, like the Adélie penguins, who have had a reduction in the amount of space they can dwell in Antarctica. This change in habitat has led to a reduction in their numbers. More extreme weather, like hurricanes and storms, have been experienced by many parts of the world. Floods and droughts could also become more common as the planet’s temperature increases further.
In this activity, students will create a spider map that examines some of the effects that global warming has on our planet. This activity could be carried out at the start of the topic to gauge students ideas, or at the end of a topic as a summative assessment to see what your students have learned. As an extension, have your students rank the effects in order of severity, then get them to justify why they chose that order. Have students look at how different parts of the world are affected by climate change.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map that describes four effects of global warming.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify four effects in the title boxes.
- Write a sentence describing each one.
- Illustrate the effect using a combination of scenes, characters, and items, or use Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples | There are at least four cells each giving the effects of global warming. | There are at least two cells each giving the effects of global warming. | There is a least one cell giving an effect of global warming. |
| Each storyboard cell clearly illustrates an effect of global warming. | Each storyboard cell relates to an effect of global warming, but is difficult to understand. | Each storyboard cell does not clearly relate an effect of global warming. | |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Effects of Climate Change
How to Facilitate a Thoughtful Class Discussion on Climate Change Effects
Encourage active participation by inviting students to share their ideas and experiences about climate change. Use open-ended questions to prompt deeper thinking and give everyone a chance to speak.
Set Clear Discussion Guidelines
Establish ground rules for respectful listening and sharing. Clarify expectations to ensure every student feels safe to contribute their thoughts.
Provide Real-World Examples
Share current news stories or visuals that show the real effects of climate change. This helps students connect classroom learning to global events and see the relevance of the topic.
Encourage Evidence-Based Reasoning
Prompt students to support their opinions with facts from their research or the lesson. This strengthens critical thinking and helps students evaluate information more carefully.
Wrap Up with Reflection
Ask students to reflect on what they learned and how their perspectives may have changed. Invite them to write or share one new insight gained from the discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Effects of Climate Change
What are the main effects of climate change for students to learn about?
Climate change leads to melting ice, rising sea levels, more extreme weather, and habitat loss for animals. Teaching these key effects helps students understand real-world impacts.
How can I teach the effects of global warming using a spider map?
Have students create a spider map with four main effects of global warming. They should describe and illustrate each effect, making connections between causes and consequences for a visual summary.
What is a simple classroom activity to introduce climate change impacts?
Ask students to make a spider map showing four effects of climate change, then discuss how each effect changes the environment or affects animals and people.
Why are rising sea levels important when teaching about climate change?
Rising sea levels cause coastal flooding and habitat loss, impacting both people and wildlife. Highlighting this effect helps students see the global scope of climate change.
How can students rank the severity of climate change effects in a lesson?
After identifying effects, have students rank them by severity and explain their reasoning. This encourages critical thinking and deeper understanding of climate change impacts.
More Storyboard That Activities
The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
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