+
ward
'
s
science
Page 10
Climate Change and Human Health (teacher guide)
Recommended Grade Level(s):
Appropriate for: Grade 8
Standards:
H.F.4. Environmental quality: a. Natural ecosystems provide an array of basic processes that affect humans. Those processes
include maintenance of the quality of the atmosphere, generation of soils, control of the hydrologic cycle, disposal of wastes, and
recycling of nutrients. Humans are changing many of these basic processes, and the changes may be detrimental to humans.
Time Requirements:
Activity Time: 270 minutes
Objective:
Expert student groups will use their knowledge of the effects of climate change on human health to create presentations
detailing specific aspects of the topic.
Essential Question:
How will human health be impacted by climate change?
Teaching Notes:
Students will review the resources listed below to investigate the ways in which climate change could impact human health.
The resource review handout (attached) will be completed using this information.
Resources:
• https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/default.htm
• https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/climate-change/index.cfm
• http://www.thelancet.com/series/health-and-climate-change
Materials:
• Computers with internet access.
• Materials for 2nd portion of assignment will vary with choice.
Step-by-Step Procedure:
Students will be place in groups based on interest in each of the five aspects of climate change listed below.
Group 1: Direct Temperature
Group 2: Extreme Weather Events
Group 3: Climate Sensitive Diseases
Group 4: Air Quality
Group 5: Agriculture
• Students will be given one 90 minute class period to collect information regarding their topic using the
Data Collection Handout (attached).
• Students will be given one 90 minute class period to create a presentation about their topic.
• Expert student groups will present during the following 90 minute class period. A scoring rubric is included.
