and the following Connecticut Science Centers

Resources

Climate Science / Climate Change / Climate Solutions

Climate Science

To understand climate change, you first have to understand the chemical, physical and biological forces that govern our climate.

• Weather and Climate Basics: An overview of weather and climate and the forces that control them from the National Center for Atmospheric Research. (Students grades 6-12)
• Key Ideas in Weather and Climate Science: Just the facts. Created by The Earth to Class, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Columbia University, New York, NY. (Students 6-12.)
• Core Concepts in Weather and Climate: Very brief basic overview of the history and core concepts of weather and climate. Created by The Earth to Class, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Columbia University, New York, N.Y. (Students 6-12)
• Evolution of the Atmosphere: Composition, Structure and Energy: Very high level textbook style description with graphics. by Perry Samson, U. Mich. (Teachers, students grades 9-12)
• Northeast Science Center Collaborative- Climate Change Backpack Presenters Guide:Chapters 1-9 of the Backpack Presenters Guide include clearly written descriptions of key aspects of climate science that are necessary for a full understanding of climate change, including the carbon cycle, the greenhouse effect, greenhouse gasses, the historical relationship between CO2 and temperature, how scientists unlock the secrets of the earth’s past atmosphere and temperature, natural versus human caused climate variability, and much more. The chapters are in pdf format and can be downloaded individually. Chapters also include activities to help students understand the concepts. (Teachers, students 6-12)
• Digital Library for Earth System Education: This is a free service, where you can choose the student grade level (middle or high school), type in either climate science or global warming, and receive information for a multitude of sites (with descriptions given for each). This is an excellent resource that includes sections for students, teachers, and activities.
• CT Energy Education, teacher resources with lessons about climate change, fundamentals of energy and energy efficiency.

Climate Change

Humans are altering the Earth's climate system. Learn how, and what that means for humans and other species:

• Climate Change 101 from Clean Air-Cool Planet: How can humans alter the climate? Find out.
• New England Regional Assessment fact sheet: Research presenting what climate change will mean for Connecticut and the rest of New England.
• Indicators of Climate Change in the Northeast 2005: Some changes are already happening with our local climate; find out what scientists have observed over the past 50 years, and what it might mean.
• Connecticut: Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast from the Union of Concerned Scientists

Climate Solutions

• EPA Energy Star Portfolio Manager

• Check your school's climate impact with EPA's Climate CHECK

• What Kids Can Do: (Kids on the Wire) Students from Foran High School in Milford, Connecticut, worked on a prototype solar energy collector. This project was undertaken in their school’s Energy Club. The solar energy collector, installed at their school, will be used to heat up to 100 gallons of water a day.
• The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heros: Read about students that have been awarded prizes for their efforts and successes in environmental endeavors. One of the projects included resurfacing a school roof with reflective material that lead to energy saving. (See winners, 2004)
  Another student conducted solar energy research. (See winners, 2005)
  Another student created a recycling program in her town.
• Alliance to Save Energy:Eisenhower High School (California) succeeded in significantly reducing their school’s electric and gas consumption. They also spread the conservation to students in kindergarten through upper grade levels.
  The Alliance has a Green School’s Program that provides science resources, newsletters, projects, and case studies of completed projects.
• Energy Matters: In St. Louis, MO, the SEED Program (School Energy Efficiency Development) created “energy patrol” teams, from k-12, and drastically reduced energy consumption. Students also made videos, model energy efficient homes.
• 2002 Youth Awards Program:This site gives examples from around the country where youths are making a difference in energy efficiency, and in spreading the word about energy conservation.
• Toyota Tapestry: Sixth graders in Minnesota are monitoring electricity consumption in their school, and examining alternate energy sources such as wind and solar power. They will also try out a peddle-operated generator. A Florida High School team (the Solar Knights) is building a full size solar powered car.
• Green Schools News: (State of Maine EPA) A middle school student presents a plan for a “Vending Miser” which would power down a vending machine when not in use. This same newsletter gives information on electric cars and other alternative fuel cars as well as “energy patrols” in public schools.
• Project Learning Tree: (Greenworks) In Alaska, students from grades k-12 students created a recycling program for their entire village.