Global Warming and Climate Change: Print Resources
This is a collection of print resources covering Global Warming and Climate Change. A separate collection of Electronic Resources is also available.
Below are outstanding and recommended titles by the National Science Teachers Association that fit this year's theme for National Chemistry Week. Descriptions are based on reviews from the NSTA web site.
Key: E = Elementary (K-5), I = Intermediate (6-8), HS = High School (9-12), C = College, G = General Public
- Forecasting the Future: Exploring Evidence for Global Climate Change. Arlington, VA: NSTA Press, 1996. 160pp. ISBN 0-87355-139-7. (I, HS)
- Is the world getting warmer? Is this part of a long time change in
the Earth's climate systems? This book is a valuable resource for
examining the material and scientific evidence on global warming. It
begins with reference material to provide background on the topic.
Fourteen interdisciplinary student activities are cross-referenced to
this content summary to make them easy to use. The integrated,
inquiry-based approach of this book takes climate change beyond
traditional meteorology content and allows students to examine this
topic in terms of biology (including both plants and animals), the
geology of fossil and sedimentation evidence, chemistry, and
physics.
Source: NSTA recommends (http://www.nsta.org/recommends/product.asp?id=12173) - Global Warming: A Threat to our Future. Paul Stein. NY: Rosen, 2001. 64pp. ISBN 0-8239-3414-4. (I)
- One of eight volumes in The Library of Future Weather and Climate
series, this is an excellent reference on an important topic. The
author does not question the reality of global warming, but argues
for more research on temperature increases since 1979. The first
chapter explains that the temperature of the Earth depends upon the
balance between incoming solar radiation and Earth's outgoing
radiation. The book gives a precise definition of photosynthesis and
a clear explanation of the relationship between that process and
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. After outlining the link between
the burning of fossil fuels and the greenhouse effect, the author
concludes with a call for further study of climate and its impact on
our planet.
Source: NSTA recommends (http://www.nsta.org/recommends/product.asp?id=12844) - Global Warming: Understanding the Debate. Kenneth Green. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 2002. 128pp. ISBN 0766016919. (I, HS)
- This book leads young readers through the very relevant, complex, and
conceptually rich topic of global warming. This evenhanded treatment
of the debate would be accessible to a mature sixth grade reader, but
would best serve older students with a stronger science background.
The writing is well illustrated, and complex concepts are supported
with metaphors. The author raises questions that promote scientific
thinking and an understanding of the scientific method. He discusses
the measurement challenges and limitations of each data set taken.
One shortcoming is the omission that ice core research provides
additional evidence for rapid climate change in the Earth's history.
Sudden and radical changes in the past may have implications for the
present.
Source: NSTA recommends (http://www.nsta.org/recommends/product.asp?id=13762) - Ice Ages of the Future. Paul Stein. NY: Rosen, 2001. 64pp. ISBN 0-8239-3415-2. (I)
- One in a series of eight books in The Library of Future Weather and
Climate, this book is a thought-provoking resource on climate for
upper elementary or middle school students. Paul Stein systematically
explains the historical background and scientific processes that
could lead to an ice age. Pictures that go along with the text are
colorful and informative, and excellent use of language serves
readers with or without a scientific background. The book begins by
explaining how scientists study past weather conditions by drilling
into ice cores and examining trapped air bubbles. The study of past
climatic events has assisted us in understanding ice ages and how
they shaped the continents and oceans of today. Stein guides us
through the kinds of factors that could lead to a future ice age.
Paradoxically, global warming could affect ocean currents enough to
trigger a global cold snap or even another ice age.
Source: NSTA recommends (http://www.nsta.org/recommends/product.asp?id=12845) - National Geographic Student Atlas of the World. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society, 2001. 128pp. ISBN 0-7922-7235-8. (HS)
- This rich resource serves as a comprehensive integrated studies tool.
Students conducting science, technology, and society investigations
may tap into the wealth of information in this atlas. Included are
maps featuring various topics: geologic history, physical
characteristics, climate, vegetation, population, culture, economy,
food distribution, and natural resources. Includes a glossary, index,
and list of web sites.
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 for 2002 (http://www.nsta.org/ostbs02)
Copyright © 2003 American Chemical Society