Decoding the Data
Provided by: Yale Program on Climate Change Communication|Published on: April 27, 2021|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Type: Lesson Plans
Subjects: Science, Social Studies, Mathematics
Authors: Yale Program on Climate Change Communication
Location: North America, North America > United States
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- In this activity, students interpret graphical data from the Yale Program on Climate Change's Six Americas Super Short Survey and answer questions about the information.
- The activity includes a PDF for educators that contains lesson objectives, tips, and an answer key.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The student worksheet PDF is a fillable form, so students can type their answers directly in the answer blanks.
- The student worksheet contains questions that require critical thinking and thoughtful reflection.
- This activity will work well as a written activity, a discussion, or both.
Prerequisites
- Teachers may want to go over the Global Warming's Six Americas with the class before starting the activity.
- Teachers may want to share the student worksheet electronically so that students can click on the links.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Art classes can use question #15 from the student worksheet as a prompt for artwork. Students could look at Jill Pelto's artwork for inspiration.
- After completing the activity, students can give the Six Americas Super Short Survey to their family members, friends, or other members of their community to see which audience they fall into.
- Other resources on this topic include this data analysis activity on coral bleaching and this SubjectToClimate lesson plan that teaches students how scientists and mathematicians use data and statistics to understand climate change.
Using data from SASSY, this resource provides students with the opportunity to analyze and dissect graphical information. This is a qualitative method and this resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
