Climate change

We are only aware of the changes that have taken place to the Earth’s climate because of the scientists who, over the years, have collected data and kept accurate records.

For example, the Mauna Loa Observatory on Hawaii has been gathering data about the composition of the atmosphere since 1956. It is thanks to their records that we can see how the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide has risen over the past half century

Some schools are already involved in gathering data about weather which may one day help scientists to gain a better understanding about climatic change. Your Principal has decided that she would like your school to contribute and she has invited you to come up with a plan.

1. You are going to work in groups of 3 or 4 to investigate how your school can best obtain data about weather and keep records. The tasks are: a) Look back through the unit and identify data used to describe weather and climate. For example, mean temperature and mean rainfall are important. Are you able to measure other features, such as the concentration of particles in the air that might affect air quality? Are there any organisations that you could contact for advice, such as the Meteorological Service of Jamaica? b) What devices can you make to gather data about the weather? You might have a look on the Internet for making simple rain gauges and wind vanes. Recording the maximum and minimum temperature requires continuous monitoring. Can devices that do this be bought cheaply? Take some pictures while making your instruments. c) Where can the measuring devices be set up? They need to be somewhere safe where they experience the weather but at the same time they need to be protected from extreme weather conditions, like very strong winds. Also, you don’t want people or animals tampering with them. Take some pictures of likely locations.

• To review what sort of data would be most useful.

• To determine what data you will collect.

• To design, obtain or make instruments that will allow you to gather this data.

• To determine suitable locations for setting up your instruments in order to collect data.

• To test out your instruments at these locations.

• To modify your instruments and review whether the locations chosen are suitable.

• To devise methods of recording data in such a way that it will be most useful.

• To give a presentation in which you explain what you have done and to provide recommendations which are supported by the results of your work.