Global Warming
The Earth’s average temperature rose by more than half a degree Celsius over the last century. What caused this change? Join NASA’s Earth Observatory Team in an investigation into the causes and effects of global warming. Begin your investigation by viewing the Introduction.
After the Introduction, proceed through the series of instructional movies. Each movie builds logically upon the previous one to give you a good understanding of the issues and implications of global warming. With this knowledge you should be well equipped to complete the questions and exercises that follow.
Move on to the Information Center where you will explore the climatic and environmental conditions found in four different regions of the world. Possible consequences of a prolonged temperature increase are provided for each region.
Form your own hypotheses about how you think a temperature increase will affect each region and then use the climate model provided in the Data Center to test your hypotheses and answer the questions provided for each region. You can use the navigation on the left to re-orient yourself if you get lost during your investigation.
You will need QuickTime and Shockwave plugins installed to complete this expedition.
Teacher’s Notes (an overview of the Global Warming Expedition) [150 kB PDF]
Teacher’s Guide (instructions & answers) [70 kB PDF]
Global Warming was developed by Planet Earth Science in cooperation with NASA and the ESIP Federation.
Like to play games? This lesson is also available in an interactive game format (shockwave). Check it out!
Windows [113 MB ZIP]
Macintosh OS X [111 MB Stuffit]
Macintosh OS 8 & 9 [111 MB Stuffit]
Teacher’s Guide [320 kB PDF]