Week 12: Climate Change - Science Methods II (Addy Junge)

Addy Junge

Week 12: Climate Science

1. What did you do in lab today?​

  • The first thing we did in our lab was check over our exam, looking at questions, asking questions, and discussing the curve. After that, we reviewed our Weather Apps assignment, talking about our discoveries and challenges with it. With that, we talked about our other assignment, Before the Flood, and answered questions with our group and as a class (answers in the following paragraph). We talked about the difference between climate and weather, along with a follow-up on our knowledge of the water cycle. Then, we did an activity where we researched different parts of Iowa, observing the increase/decrease of rainfall over the years. However, our driving question for the lab was "Is the goldfinch, Iowa’s state bird, in danger, and how do we know?" Here is a picture of our findings from Northwest Iowa:
    • What are the primary points in the video?
      • The primary points in the video were how humans have been destroying our earth, and people continue to do nothing. Climate change has increased significantly due to the use of fossil fuels and other main contributors. Thankfully, there are countries that are starting to make a change to solar energy to reduce the release of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. As we go through the video, we physically see the effects of climate change and what it has been doing to the Earth. 
    • What are the major issues?
      • Other than the carbon emissions and overuse of fossil fuels that are hurting our Earth, I would say the main issue is that many people still fail to believe in climate change. Because of this, people are being too stubborn to believe in it. As this happens, our Earth is deteriorating, and those who do not believe are doing nothing about it. Another issue is that many scientists have already predicted this, but now that it's happening, we are unsure what to do. 
    • What questions do you want us to teach you?
      • What can students do to continue to learn about climate change once they are out of the classroom?
      • How has AI contributed and continues to contribute to climate science?
      • How has corporate/political influence affected our Earth?
    • You're a teacher: how would you like us to teach you?
      • I would like to learn by observing the Earth and how it has changed (just like with the video). 
2. What was the big question?
  • I would say the big question during our lab was "Is the goldfinch, Iowa’s state bird, in danger, and how do we know?"
3. What did you learn in Thursday’s discussion?​
  • Here are my notes from our lecture:
4. Read the online textbook:
  1. What did you learn?​
    • Along with the content I learned in our lab and lecture, I learned a little bit more about the acronym L.O.W.E.R. I like how the textbook does not overwhelm me with information, but rather makes me feel more confident. For example, in the "Latitude" section, it simply states, "Latitudes near the Equator have warmer temperatures" and "Latitudes near the North and South poles have colder temperatures." I also learned so much more about climate change and how it is affecting the world, especially in Iowa. Learning that the main topics for climate change in Iowa are more precipitation, more drought, warmer temperatures, impact on agriculture, and habitat changes. 
  2. What was most helpful?​
    • Specifically in this chapter, what was most helpful were the several examples of what makes a hot or cold climate. For instance, under the "Near Water" section, having the example of Ontario, Canada, in proximity to the Great Lakes, as well as an image. With that being said, the acronym "L.O.W.E.R. Near Water" was really helpful for me when memorizing the characteristics of a hot or cold climate. Something else that was helpful was the images throughout the chapter. 
  3. What do you need more information on?​
    • I would love to get more information on how to calculate your carbon footprint and how that helps the environment when more people participate in reducing their carbon footprints. 
5. What questions, concerns, and/or comments do you have?
  • A question that I continue to have is how is AI playing a part in climate change?

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