Learning & Teaching the Mathematics of Climate Change: Essential Quantitative Skills for K-12 Climate & Energy Education

Mathematics is the language of science, including climate science. Without mathematics, we could not quantify historical trends or predict future changes. Climate models are mathematical models at their core. While quantitative understandings are essential for making sense of climate change and energy issues, most American adults do not have a good sense of the difference between a million and a billion! How can we nurture durable understanding of the mathematics of climate change?

In this workshop we will apply grade-appropriate math skills to the phenomena of climate change and climate change solutions. Beginning with clear evidence that most of us do not have an intuitive sense of scale; and addressing basics such as reading and plotting graphs of temperature measurements and tree biomass, we will build to finding the slope and rate of change of climate indicators such as atmospheric carbon dioxide and rising sea level. Algebra learners can calculate the power of wind turbines of increasing size, and the amount of sea level rise as continental ice sheets melt. For those with geometry skills we will consider the optimal angle of solar panels for maximum output and the amount of solar power throughout the day. The content will meet NYS mathematics and science standards, and will be tuned to the grade level and interests of our participants.

The workshop will provide tools and strategies to build your and your students’ quantitative skills for making sense of and responding to climate change.

Instructors:

* Don Haas, PhD, www.priweb.org/staff-directory/don-haas Director of Teacher Programming, PRI
* Alexandra Moore, PhD, www.priweb.org/staff-directory/alexandra-moore Senior Education Associate
* Rob Ross, PhD, www.priweb.org/staff-directory/robert-ross Associate Director for Outreach, PRI
* Ingrid Zabel, PhD, www.priweb.org/staff-directory/ingrid-zabel Climate Change Education Manager, PRI