Unit plans at two levels, K-grade 2 and grades 3-5 develop understanding of the issue theme, We Depend on Earth's Climate, by focusing on adaptations and environments of local plant species and polar mammals. The units are modeled after a learning cycle framework built around five key steps: Engage, Explore, Explain, Expand, and Assess. The lessons are aligned with national standards for science education and English language arts.

Unit plans for Grades K-2 and 3-5 are a regular feature of the magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle. The plans draw on articles and resources in a themed issue and are aligned with national science and language arts standards. This unit is designed to provide elementary students with the opportunity to investigate how the annual rings in trees help scientists learn about past climates. It uses hands-on experiences and nonfiction text to answer the unit question: How do trees help scientists learn about the past?

Climate change, overuse, fire suppression, pollution, invasive species and disease, lack of public awareness, and technology are threatening our wilderness areas. These problems are discussed and suggestions are made as to what can be done by the average person to help reduce the aforementioned threats.

Short video in which Inuit observers describe how their traditional understanding of weather patterns is being challenged by unpredictable weather behaviors. [3:10]

In this video segment adapted from the International Institute for Sustainable Development, Inuit observers describe how their traditional understanding of weather patterns is being challenged by unpredictable weather behaviors.

The 11 books selected for inclusion in the issue of Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle devoted to climate studies range from easy readers to biographies. Each book is briefly described; all were reviewed for accuracy and appropriate reading levels for students in grades K-5. Several books deal with careers in meteorology.

This article highlights children's literature about weather and climate, the polar regions, and climate change for use in the elementary classroom.

This article explains the difference between weather and climate, the role of the polar regions in the global climate system, and how climate change is affecting these areas. Links to content knowledge resources and the National Science Education Standards are provided.

This informational text explores the characteristics of blue whales and a simple food chain of the Southern Ocean. The text is at a reading level appropriate for a reading level of second through third grade. It is a full-color pdf file that can be printed, cut, and folded to form a 2 1/8" by 2 3/4" book. It contains color photographs and illustrations.

This informational text explores the characteristics of blue whales and a simple food chain of the Southern Ocean. The text is at a reading level appropriate for a reading level of second through third grades. It is a pdf file that includes only the text and a glossary.

This informational text explores the characteristics of blue whales and a simple food chain of the Southern Ocean. The text is at a reading level appropriate for a reading level of fourth through fifth grades. It is a pdf file that includes only the text and a glossary.

This informational text explores the characteristics of blue whales and a simple food chain of the Southern Ocean. This text is at a reading level appropriate for a reading level of Kindergarten through first grade. It is a full-color pdf file that can be printed, cut, and folded to form a 2 1/8" by 2 3/4" book. It contains color photographs and illustrations.

This informational text explores the characteristics of blue whales and a simple food chain of the Southern Ocean. The text is at a reading level appropriate for a reading level of Kindergarten through first grade. It is a pdf file that includes only the text and a glossary.

When light strikes an object it can cause reflection or absorption depending on the wavelength of the light and the property of the material that makes up the object. Watch this whiteboard animation for a full explanation and to find out how this is related to climate change. Closed caption available. Background information and teaching tips are provided. [1:05]

This computer-based learning module engages students in questions that scientists around the world are exploring about Earth’s climate. They gain an appreciation for how much is not known about the Earth and climate change. The module contains 5 activities; 1) Earth’s Changing Climates, 2) Interactions Within the Atmosphere, 3) Sources, Sinks, and Feedbacks, 4) Feedbacks of Ice and Clouds, and 5) Using Models to Make Predictions. Each activity provides information in simulations, text, video, or graphic format and the students enter answers to both open-ended and closed questions within the program. Once the students have completed an activity, they can print a report showing all the questions and their answers. The authors estimate the entire module should take 225 minutes.

The traditional subsistence practices of indigenous people were once sustainable, unlike today's lifestyles. Most foods are now produced and transported using methods that can damage the environment and contribute to climate change. [2:15]

In this learning module, students from American Indian Tribal Colleges interview Elders, other students, and community members to provide a Native American perspective on climate change and its effects on their communities.

This informational text introduces students to the life cycle and life of the arctic wolf. The pack life is described including caring for young, hunting and how they deal with the summers of no darkness and winters of no sunlight. The text is written at a grade four through grade five reading level. This version is a full-color PDF that can be printed, cut and folded to form a book. Each book contains color photographs and illustrations.

This informational text introduces students to the life cycle and life of the arctic wolf. The pack life is described including caring for young, hunting and how they deal with the summers of no darkness and winters of no sunlight. The text is written at a kindergarten through grade one reading level. This version is a full-color PDF that can be printed, cut and folded to form a book. Each book contains color photographs and illustrations.

This informational text introduces students to the life cycle and life of the arctic wolf. The pack life is described including caring for young, hunting and how they deal with the summers of no darkness and winters of no sunlight. The text is written at a kindergarten through grade one reading level. This is a PDF containing the informational text and a glossary.