Constructing and Interpreting Graphs of Climate Change With Computer Models

• In Event: 72.049 - Roundtable Session 34
  In Roundtable Session: 72.049-3 - Climate Science Learning Technologies and Assessments

Abstract

In this design-based research we build upon previous work showing that students can learn about climate change by interpreting graphs. In online curriculum, students are introduced to graph concepts (e.g., trend, noise), and then interact with dynamic computer models displaying graphs of quantities that are related (CO2 and temperature) or not (ozone and temperature). To investigate students’ role as producers of graphs, we compared two approaches to manipulating the model. In the slider condition students manipulated variables with a slider as the model ran. In the graphing condition students drew a graph to establish the value of system variables, prior to running the model. Following initial testing we revised the material to help students produce more informative graphs, then re-tested.

Authors

• Jonathan Michael Vitale, University of California - Berkeley

• Elizabeth McBride, University of California - Berkeley

• Marcia Linn, University of California - Berkeley