Hot Topics: Global Warming

In recognition of Earth Day, PBS has re-launched its Global Warming Lesson Plan . What are the causes of global warming? To what extent is human activity responsible for climate change? Are there viable solutions? Or is global warming just a myth? Often polarizing, these are questions being asked from the classroom to the Hill.

The Web site is designed for students to draw their own critical and informed conclusions. Through analysis of suggested resources, research, and classroom debate topics, this standards-based lesson plan offers students an understanding of global development, environmental issues, characteristics of the Earth’s ecosystems, and human effects on the physical environment.

Resources such as interviews with the producer of Al Gore’s documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth” and transcripts from Senate hearings provide insight into what politicians, policymakers, business owners, and environmentalists are saying about global warming. Earth Day is April 22, but teachers can use this curriculum year-round. The lesson, for 9th to 12th graders, is designed for social studies, debate, language arts, government, and current events classes.

By Danielle Woods

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