This is a valuable tool to understand how quickly global average temperatures have changed in recent decades.
Students can access the exact data used to create the spiral.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should understand how global warming is measured (degree increase above pre-industrial levels).
The video can be slowed down to make it easier to track the changes in the spiral over time.
Differentiation
Have students consider what it means for humanity and the planet when the increase in temperature above pre-industrial levels surpasses 1, 1.5, and 2 degrees Celsius.
Ask students why they think temperatures started to increase more dramatically after the mid-20th century.
Students can use the data provided to create their own data visualizations.
This resource can also be used in math or statistics classes during lessons about data visualization.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
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All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.