Lesson plan; “Ocean Warming: A Global Crisis Unfolds”

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Objective: Students will be able to identify the main causes and effects of ocean warming, as well as some possible solutions, by reading and analyzing the article.

Standards: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.8

Hook: Show students a video clip of coral bleaching, a phenomenon caused by ocean warming that affects marine ecosystems. Ask students to share what they know or wonder about ocean warming and its impacts.

Vocabulary: Introduce and review some key terms from the article, such as ocean heat wave, polar ice, sea level rise, greenhouse gases, and fossil fuels. See examples below.

Reading comprehension: Have students read the article in pairs or small groups. Ask them to identify the main idea, supporting details, and evidence in each paragraph. Have them write down any questions or comments they have about the article.

Discussion: Have students share their questions and comments with the whole class. Facilitate a discussion on the following topics:

  • What are the main causes of ocean warming, according to the article?
  • What are some of the effects of ocean warming on the environment and human society, according to the article?
  • How do the scientists in the article express their feelings and opinions about ocean warming?
  • What are some possible solutions or actions to address ocean warming, according to the article or your own ideas?

Assessment: Have students write a summary of the article, using their own words and citing evidence from the text. Alternatively, have students create a poster, infographic, or presentation that explains the causes, effects, and solutions of ocean warming, using information from the article and other sources.

Addidtional sources

  1. Why our ocean holds the best solutions to climate change:
    • This World Economic Forum article highlights how the ocean absorbs heat and carbon dioxide, mitigating the effects of climate change. It explores the ocean’s role as a natural climate moderator and discusses potential solutions within the ocean itself1.
  2. IUCN – Ocean Warming:
    • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provides an issues brief on ocean warming. It explains how rising ocean temperatures impact marine ecosystems, coral bleaching, and breeding grounds for marine species. The article emphasizes the importance of mitigation efforts and adaptive measures to protect ocean ecosystems2.
  3. How to reduce the impact of climate change on the oceans:
    • Stanford University’s Ocean Solutions program discusses evidence-based key messages for ocean-based solutions to address climate change. It emphasizes the need for combined local and global efforts to mitigate the impacts of ocean warming3.
  4. Climate Change: Ocean Heat Content | NOAA Climate.gov:
    • NOAA Climate.gov explains the main source of ocean heat and how it affects ocean temperatures. It covers the role of sunlight, clouds, water vapor, and greenhouse gases in ocean warming4.
  5. Ocean Warming – Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution:
    • The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution explains how the ocean has absorbed excess energy from human activities, leading to ocean warming. It highlights the impact on marine life and the need for understanding and addressing this critical issue6.

Key terms from the article

  1. Ocean Heat Wave:
    • Definition: A prolonged period of unusually high sea surface temperatures in a specific region of the ocean.
    • Example: The recent heat wave in the North Atlantic has raised concerns about its impact on marine ecosystems.
  2. Polar Ice:
    • Definition: Ice sheets, glaciers, and sea ice found in polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic).
    • Example: The melting of polar ice contributes to rising sea levels and affects global climate patterns.
  3. Sea Level Rise:
    • Definition: The gradual increase in the average level of the world’s oceans due to melting ice and thermal expansion.
    • Example: Coastal cities face threats from sea level rise, leading to flooding and erosion.
  4. Greenhouse Gases:
    • Definition: Gases (such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor) that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
    • Example: Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, intensifying global warming.
  5. Fossil Fuels:
    • Definition: Non-renewable energy sources derived from ancient organic matter (coal, oil, natural gas).
    • Example: Cars running on gasoline (a fossil fuel) emit carbon dioxide, exacerbating climate change.

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