Understanding Global Change - Construct a Model
Provided by: Understanding Global Change Project|Published on: December 9, 2022|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Understanding Global Change Project
Location: Earth
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This online interactive activity allows students to create a diagram showing how the Earth's systems and their components are interconnected.
- This resource includes a brief slideshow and a custom-made infographic that students can use for presentations or assignments.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This is a great way to introduce students to systems thinking while allowing them to apply their knowledge about the Earth's systems.
- The resource allows plenty of space for students to be creative, selecting between various factors to demonstrate the links between the Earth's systems and changes.
Additional Prerequisites
- A list of key terms can be accessed by downloading the framework outline from the slideshow.
- The framework is small and, therefore, difficult to read but can be zoomed into by clicking the + symbol on the top right.
- Students can learn more about different terms by clicking on them on the Framework page.
- Students can save their work to their computer or Google account.
- This resource requires access to the Internet and a device.
Differentiation
- Considering the number of terms in the handout, students can read it in pairs, groups, or as a class. Some students may find it helpful to have access to the handout before class.
- For those without access to the internet, the framework can be projected, the handout printed, and students can draw their own systems on paper.
- Have students consider why it is important for humans to prevent certain changes to Earth's systems.
- As a follow-up activity, have students research which of Earth's systems are being strained or accelerated today due to changes in other systems (i.e., feedback loops).
- To extend the lesson, have students watch this video on the many ways humans impact Earth's systems.
The resource lets students understand the processes, components, and causal relationships in the Earth's systems. The activity in this resource will stretch their ability to construct a model to represent these changes, interactions, and dynamics. The resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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