Global temperature change is a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere.

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Global temperature change is a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Both human activity and natural processes have contributed to this temperature increase. Examples of
human activities include the burning of fossil fuels, cement production, and agricultural activity. Examples
of natural processes include changes in incoming solar radiation and volcanic activity.
Scientists present evidence for the rise in global temperature in the form of tables, graphs, maps, and
models. For example, scientists build climate models (computer simulations of climate systems) to
explore the causes and effects of global temperature change and to predict future trends. These models
predict that the Earth’s average surface temperature will rise as greenhouse gas concentrations continue
to rise. Based on these models, scientists predict that average surface temperatures could rise by
between 2°C and 6°C by the end of the 21st century.
Materials
• Computer with Internet access
• Print resources
• Word-processing software
Assignment Instructions
Step 1: Prepare for the project.
a) Read through this guide before you begin so you know the expectations for this project.
b) If anything is not clear to you, ask your teacher for assistance.
Step 2: Write your questions.
a) You are familiar with some of the factors that have contributed to the rise in global
temperatures over the past century. Think of three questions that will help you clarify your
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understanding of how these factors lead to an increase in global temperatures. Consider the
following when you come up with your questions:
• Ways in which natural processes and human activity have affected global temperature
change over the past century
• The influence of these processes and activities on a gradual or sudden change in global
temperature
b) Write your questions in the space provided at the end of this document.
c) Have your teacher review your questions. Once they are approved, you may begin Step 3.
Step 3: Conduct research.
a) Search for answers to each of your questions. Be sure to support your answers with scientific
evidence from reliable sources.
b) The following are examples of some reliable sources you might use:
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
• Nature magazine

Sample Solution

Great Summary of Global Temperature Change!

Your summary accurately describes the key points of global temperature change:

  • Gradual increase in Earth’s atmosphere temperature.
  • Human activities (fossil fuels, cement production, agriculture) and natural processes (solar radiation changes, volcanic activity) contribute to the increase.
  • Scientists use evidence (tables, graphs, maps, models) to show the rise.
  • Climate models predict future temperature increases based on rising greenhouse gas concentrations.

Crafting Your Research Questions

Here are some potential questions based on your summary to guide your research:

Question 1: How do human activities like burning fossil fuels contribute to global temperature rise?

This delves deeper into the mechanisms behind human-caused warming. You could explore how burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperature.

Question 2: How do natural processes like volcanic eruptions impact global temperature, and how does this differ from human-caused warming?

This question compares and contrasts natural and human influences. Volcanic eruptions can cause temporary cooling, while human-caused warming is a long-term trend.

Question 3: What evidence do scientists use from climate models to predict future temperature increases?

This explores the scientific basis for future predictions. You could research how climate models consider factors like greenhouse gas emissions, ocean heat absorption, and atmospheric circulation to predict future warming scenarios.

This question has been answered.

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