How to approach this material
Each unit includes an online outline, which is matched by a powerpoint file with classroom lecture slides, data activities and a case study. A teacher can follow the outline to discover linked resources, or can browse all available resources, which are organized by unit.
The editable powerpoint can be downloaded here (warning: large 1.5G file).
A pdf of the powerpoint, sized for easy download and sharing is also available here
Each of the units can be used independently from one another, sequentially or not. It all depends on preference in how to introduce the topic at hand and what tool is deemed most appropriate.
The main Power Point dives right into the science in an interdisciplinary fashion. This tool is designed to help demystify the content and to enhance understanding.
The Data Analysis Tool is designed to engage students in learning how to use Excel to analyze and represent scientific data used by scientists to study climate change phenomena. The data tools have step-by-step instructions on how to access data and process it. It also helps teach how to perform statistical analysis to render the data useful.
The third tool is a Case Study that helps introduce the impact these climatological changes are having on people and ecosystems. In the Sahel Case Study students also have the opportunity to learn about sustainable solutions by engaging in a engineering design project.
Each Power Point has robust notes on most slides that serve as a lesson plan of sorts. All the pertinent information and downloadable teaching tools are also organized in a sequential fashion in the note section of the slides. The Power Points have downloaded videos to avoid lag time, access and streaming problems. In the note sections there are also the links to all related images and downloaded documents in case needed.
Each tool includes:
- Student assignments in the from of handouts,
- Lab activities with step by step instructions and analysis questions;
- Video transcripts when appropriate;
- Suggested Reading assignments in PDF format
Introduction
Aerosols are tiny solid particles and minuscule liquid droplets suspended in the lower atmosphere. There are two types of aerosols, those that occur naturally and others that are created due to human activity.
Aerosols individual chemical characteristics define how these particles interact with water vapor and radiation in the lower atmosphere. Aerosols are essential to the formation of clouds. In order for clouds to form the tiny water vapor droplets need a surface to attach to. The minute specs of aerosols suspended in the lower atmosphere provide such a surface. Once the water vapor attaches it will change from its gas form to liquid water. Aerosols provide a surface where microscopic water vapor droplets can attach and change into liquid through the physical process of condensation. The aerosols involved in the process of cloud formation are called cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). In addition of the presence of CCN’s for clouds the form condensation also needs to occur. This happens when water vapor meets cooler air throughout the earth’s troposphere.
