Mission Library

Extreme Conditions
Climate Change
Grades 4-12

The Mission
51 min

Storyline

Created in collaboration with the National 4-H Association

Facing quickly rising global temperatures on Vespus I, the crew must work quickly to save lives and find the cause of the sudden shift in temperature.

Upon arriving, Vespus I is in chaos. Analyzing all the active catastrophes, the crew will decide to evacuate the highly populated Vespus City along the coast. When a flood destroys Vespus City's non-renewable energy source, the crew will assess several possible alternatives and construct wind turbines to restore energy to the city. Looking over thermal and atmospheric data, the crew will determine the cause for the sudden rise in temperatures is a gas pocket that was recently opened.

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

Human activity can have an impact on global climate change.

Science and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models

Using climate data to identify and predict climate-related hazards and changes.

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

Investigating various sources of climate change and their potential impacts.

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Proposing solutions to mitigate climate-related hazards based on collected data and evidence.

Crosscutting Concepts

Patterns

Analyzing data to recognize patterns of temperature rise and climate-related hazards.

Cause and Effect

Understanding the relationship between environmental factors and their effects on weather conditions and climate change.

Systems and System Models

Evaluating the interconnections between various environmental factors contributing to climate change.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

ESS3.D: Global Climate Change

Exploring the impact of climate change on extreme weather conditions, temperature fluctuations, and environmental hazards.

ESS3: Human Impacts on the Earth

Investigating how human activities, such as pollution and deforestation, contribute to climate change.

Resources
Timeline
Skills in Action