Modeling Earth’s Changing Climate | Weathered

As Earth continues to warm, regional climates and weather patterns will change—but how do scientists figure that out? Host Maiya May introduces the experts, processes, science, and technology behind today’s climate models. This video explores the many different variables needed to develop complex climate models and reveals the supercomputers required to crunch the huge datasets that scientists use to make their predictions.

Students will discuss the trends and uncertainties of climate change as well as be given opportunties to wrangle genuine climate modeling software to try and achieve net zero carbon emissions for a nation or region of their choice. An infographic activity further allows the class to reflect upon the Paris Agreement and the many strides that nations have already taken to reach its goals.

About the Author:

Merek Chang is a high school science teacher in Hacienda La Puente Unified School District in Southern California. He received his B.S. from UC Davis and an M.A. in education from San Diego State University. He is a KQED Media Literacy Innovator and is passionate about uplifting student voices and connecting the community to the classroom through the lens of environmental literacy and civic engagement.