In the Manitoba Senior 2 Science Weather Dynamics cluster we examine the relationships that control weather and climate. Our Earth's global energy budget is reviewed through water and heat transfer, along with severe weather phenomena. We gather and analyze meteorological data related to a severe weather event, and explore the social, economic, and environmental impact of the event. We also investigate the topic of climate change with reference to both natural events and human activities, and look at the long-term potential consequences of climate change.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Illustrate the composition and organization of the hydrosphere and the atmosphere, examining salt water, fresh water, polar ice caps/glaciers, troposphere and the stratosphere.
2. Outline factors influencing the Earth's radiation budget: solar radiation, cloud cover, surface reflectance (albedo), absorption, and latitude.
3. Explain effects of heat transfer within the atmosphere and hydrosphere on the development and movement of wind and ocean currents. This will include the Coriolis effect/convection, prevailing westerlies, jet streams, and El Niño.
4. Explain the formation and dynamics of severe weather phenomena such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, blizzards, hurricanes, etc.
5. Analyze and interpret collected meteorological data such as meteorological maps and satellite imagery related to a severe weather event.
6. Discuss the social, economic, and environmental impacts of a recent severe weather event.
7. Describe evidence that climate change occurs naturally and can be influenced by human activities.
8. Discuss potential consequences of climate change. E.g. Agricultural shifts, extreme weather events, changes in biodiversity.

The 7 Climate Change posters available are titled:

1. Degrees of Variation: Climate Change in Nunavut
2. The Tides of Change: Climate Change in Atlantic Canada
3. A Change in the Wind: Climate Change in Quebec
4. Weathering the Changes: Climate Change in Ontario
5. Temperature Rising: Climate Change in Southwestern British Columbia
6. The Winds of Change: Climate Change in the Prairie Provinces
7. Taking the Chill Off: Climate Change in the Yukon & Northwest Territories

The posters are available from the Geological Survey of Canada:

1. 601 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E8
2. 3303-33rd Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 2A7
3. 101-605 Robson Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5J3

Or by calling:

1. 1-800-622-6232 (allow 4 - 6 weeks delivery)
2. 1-888-252-4301

Or order on-line at the following Web site.

Explore the Web site to view the posters, and to get more information on climate change.

Ordering the posters, and having them laminated will allow you to use this resource in your classroom many times. Another option is to photocopy the poster into manageable 8.5 x 11" sheets for access in booklet form.

The posters carry much of the necessary information, and capacity to address the Manitoba Senior 2 Science Weather Dynamics unit, particularly outcomes 7 and 8. They also focus on most of the topics within outcomes 1 through 6, making this a fantastic resource for senior 2 science teachers in Manitoba.

Suggestions for Activation:

Introduction to the topic of climate change, its potential impacts, and interest in the posters can be facilitated with a variety of activation activities:

1. Videos: A number of videos to prompt interest in the topic are available:
   1. What's Up With the Weather? Nova, 2 hours. Original broadcast April 18, 2000. $19.95 U.S.
   2. Warnings from the Ice. Nova, 1 hour. Original broadcast April 21, 1998. $19.95 U.S.
   3. Chasing El Niño. Nova, 1 hour. Original broadcast Oct. 13, 1998. $19.95 U.S.
   4. Einstein Revealed. Nova, 2 hours. Original broadcast Oct. 1, 1996. $19.95 U.S.
   5. Planet Earth: The Climate Puzzle. WQED Pittsburgh, PA. Metropolitan Pittsburgh Public Broadcasting, Inc., 1986.
2. Articles: Ongoing research and reports on climate change offer numerous articles to prompt student inquiry. Suggestions include:
   1. Suzuki, David. “Let Kyoto take wing: Ottawa signed the accord. Now, let it keep its promise with budget incentives for a green, 21st century economy, says environmentalist DAVID SUZUKI.” Globe and Mail. 17 Mar 2004. A19.
   2. Stipp, David. “The Pentagon's Weather Nightmare: The climate could change radically, and fast. That would be the mother of all national security issues.” Fortune, 9 Feb 2004. Time, Inc. Vol. 149, i3, p100.
   3. Jaccard, Marc. “Cool your jets: Let the market fight emissions: Forget about Kyoto. Here's a better way.” Globe and Mail. 31 Mar 2004. A19.
   Assigned reading for individual students or groups, with the task of reporting main points or the “Climate Change in the News” display may facilitate a discussion on climate change to set the stage for work on the NRC regional posters.

Suggestions for Instruction:

Student groups of 3 are ideal to provide enough elbowroom to work on the posters. If desired, two groups of 3 can operate on one poster at a given time.

1. The first page of each worksheet (one for each region) can provide a good introduction to the posters. Student groups have 10 minutes at each poster to complete the 3 Trivia, and "Did You Know" true and false questions, switching posters when the "bell rings". Time: ~70 minutes.
2. The second, and subsequent pages of each poster's worksheet have bold, underlined titles corresponding to a particular section of each poster - students will quickly identify this, but teacher direction at activity start will help provide focus.
3. Several strategies for completing the 7 worksheets include:
   1. Assigned groups work on one poster at a time, completing one worksheet per group. Time: ~7 hours
   2. One or two groups are assigned to one poster to complete the worksheet. Heads are then numbered, and a jigsaw is used so students can share the information from their poster with other groups. Time: ~4 - 5 hours
   3. Each student is assigned a portion of each worksheet to gather information from all posters. Groups then meet to collate the information onto one worksheet. Time: ~4- 5 hours

Suggestions for Assessment/Evaluation:

1. Evaluation of poster worksheets (individual or group).
2. Final, summarizing worksheet: "Climate Change in Canada":
   1. Students work in original groups, or (using numbered heads, a deck of cards, the alphabet, etc.) with newly assigned groups on this final worksheet. Student groups can present the results of their concluding discussions, and answers with the class. Time: 1 - 2 hours.
   2. Alternatively, students can work on this as an independent assignment, using the information they have collected from the larger group activity. This evaluation tool can also be divided into sections, with individuals or with student groups assigned particular sections.
   3. Individual assessment with this piece within a time-limited classroom evaluation setting may also prove useful.

Suggestions for Follow-up Activities/Supplemental Materials:

Climate Binder/Video: Creating a Climate of Change. Society, Environment and Energy Development Studies (SEEDS) Foundation. David Lunn, 2002.

• 7 modules and supporting video

Web sites:

1. Nova Teachers provides access to the videos listed above, in addition to excellent resources accessible under the following headings:
   • Program Overview
   • Viewing Ideas
   • Classroom Activity (some excellent student handouts included)
   • Ideas from Teachers
   • Related Nova Resources
   • Interactive for Students
2. Temperature Rising. Poster and activities, related links on poster 5, British Columbia.
3. Canadian weather and climate data.
4. National Climate Data and Information Archive.
5. Environmental Health Perspectives Online. Climate change impacts on human health explored.
6. Order climate change posters on-line
7. Climate change posters on-line

Articles:

1. "With or without Kyoto, Canada needs a plan.” Editorial. Globe & Mail. 4 Dec 2003. A24.
2. Chase, Steven and Tuck, Simon. "Ottawa looks at big outlays for clean gas.” Globe & Mail. 13 May 2003. A1.
3. Pearce, Fred. "Kyoto changes may drive deforestation.” New Scientist. 22 Mar 2003. Vol 177, i2387, p15(1).
4. "Is Kyoto Dead?” The Economist. 6 Dec 2003. Vol 369, i8353, p73US.
5. "Climate Change's Impacts on Wildlife.” National Wildlife. June " July 2002.
6. "Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture.” Environment. March 2000. Vol 42, i2, p3.
7. Regush, Nicholas. "Microbes on the March.” Canadian Geographic. September/October 2000. p62 " 29.
8. Marchese, John. "Forecast: Hazy.” Discover. June 2001. p45 " 51.
9. "Greenhouse Effect, R.I.P.” Discover. August 2001. p17 " 18.
10. Zimmer, Carl. "The El Niño Factor.” Discover. January 1999. p98 " 106.
11. Hayden, Thomas. "What's Up With the Weather?” Newsweek. 31 Jan 2000.
12. Wood, Chris. "Wild Weather.” Macleans. 25 Jan 1999.
13. Nash, Madeleine. "Will We Control the Weather?” Time. 10 Apr 2000. p72 " 74.

For Winnipeg Teachers:

1. Fort Whyte Centre: Weather and Climate Change Lab
   • 4 - 5 hour interactive program
     
   • $8.00 per student (10 " 75 students)
2. Environment Canada Weather Office Tour: 4th Floor Via Rail Station
   • Prairie warnings are generated from data at this site
   • Allow approx. 1 hour per trip (30 - 40 min. in training room followed by tour/questions), with 9:30 a.m. arrival time at the earliest.
   • 20 - 30 students maximum
   • Contact: Jay Anderson, Meteorologist, 984-7923
   • http://www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/
3. Environmental Speakers Bureau:
   • Senior 2 "Wild Weather" presentation (1 hour)
   • Contact: Mary Melnychuk, 925-3777 (Mary is a former high school teacher)
   • 30 students maximum