Historic Climate Trends

• In this interactive graph, students can view historical data on the average global temperature and the concentration of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane in the atmosphere.

Positives

• Students can click the "Show" tab above the graph to view data from the last 800,000 years or data from the last 5,000 years.
• Students can click to view data for temperature, CO₂, N₂O, or methane individually or in any combination on the graph.

Additional Prerequisites

• Teachers should note that some data for N₂O levels are missing from the graph because the data is not available.

Differentiation

• Teachers could ask students to think about the following questions as they compare the graph of the last 800,000 years to the graph of the last 5,000 years:
  • What do you notice most when you look at the graph showing the last 800,000 years?
  • What observations can you make from the graph showing the last 800,000 years?
  • What do you notice most when you look at the graph showing the last 5,000 years?
  • What observations can you make from the graph showing the last 5,000 years?
  • Do you think it is more important for scientists to look at very long-term historical climate trends (from the last 800,000 years) or more recent historical climate trends (the last 5,000 years)? Why?
• Students in earth science classes could look at the trendlines for each of the atmospheric gases and work with a partner to make a list of causes for the steep increase in each of the gases in recent years. 

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.