This high school climate change inquiry-based learning resource engages high school students in exploring climate drivers, both natural and human-caused, through critical thinking, research, and scientific investigation.

Instead of direct instruction, students construct their own understanding by making predictions, conducting research, and applying their findings to modern-day climate change.

How This Resource Works:

1. Predict & Hypothesize – Students begin by predicting the timescales and radiative forcings of various climate drivers.
2. Investigate & Research – Using the provided templates, students gather information from credible sources such as scientific publications.
3. Analyze & Conclude – Students compare their predictions with scientific findings and apply their knowledge to real-world climate change discussions.

Why This Resource is Great for You and Your Students:

• Student-Centered & Inquiry-Driven – Encourages independent exploration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Real-World Application – This helps students understand climate science in a meaningful, relevant way.
• Skill-Building – Develops research, information literacy, and data analysis skills.
• Budget-Friendly & Low-Prep – Easy to implement with minimal preparation.

Who Is This For?

Ideal for high school science teachers looking for an engaging, hands-on climate change activity aligned with NGSS standards (HS-ESS1-1, HS-ESS1-5, HS-ESS2-4).

What’s Included?

✅ Teacher Guide – Instructions for implementation
✅ Student Guide – Climate driver background, activity description, inquiry templates, research guide, source citation page, and reflection/discussion questions
✅ Answer Key
✅ Printable PDF & Digital Google Slides Version

Materials Needed:

• Computers & Internet Access
• Printer (for printable version)
• Google Apps (for digital version)
• Red, purple, and blue colored pencils or markers

⚠ Note: This resource is not editable at this time.

This engaging, inquiry-based activity allows students to think critically, explore climate change through a scientific lens, and develop the skills needed to analyze and interpret climate data.

Prerequisites:

I highly recommend that students have prior knowledge of Earth’s energy budget before starting this activity. A foundational understanding of how energy enters, moves through, and exits the Earth's system will help them make more informed predictions about radiative forcing and climate driver timescales.

Need Help with this Resource or Have Questions?

Not sure if this resource is the right fit? Need help planning, adapting, or managing the experience in your classroom once you're implementing it?

I’ve got you! Use my Resource Support Request Form to ask your question, whether it’s before you buy or after you’ve started using it. I’ll send you a short, personalized video reply with ideas, tips, or next steps to help you feel confident moving forward.

Other Climate Change Resources for High School Students:

• BUNDLE AND SAVE: Comprehensive High School Climate Change Unit
• Energy Budget Bundle
• Atmospheric Circulation Design Thinking Stations
• The Role of the Ocean in Climate Inquiry Stations

Check out these blog posts on inquiry-based learning:

• A Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching a High School Climate Change Unit
• How to Ask Good Questions in Inquiry-Based Learning

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