Understanding the basics of climate change
In part one of this three-part webinar series, Associate Professor Chris Eames explains the key science ideas we need to understand in order to teach climate change effectively.
Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges facing us today. It is critical we all have an understanding of what it is and the science behind the changes we are observing. As educators, we play a pivotal role in equipping our students with the knowledge and tools to comprehend and address this complex socio-ecological challenge.
The talk was excellent and key points conveyed in very understandable way.
The second and third webinars explore pedagogical approaches that support climate change education at both a primary and secondary school level.
Chris Eames is an Associate Professor in the Technology, Environmental, Mathematics and Science Education Research Centre (TEMS) at the University of Waikato. He has contributed to the Environmental Science Expert Group contracted to design an Environmental Science component for the Science framework for the 2025 PISA tests.
You can download the video and slideshow presentation.
Understanding the basics of climate change
This is an edited recording of the webinar Understanding the basics of climate change.
Love all the New Zealand based examples.
Understanding the basics of climate change – Slideshow
This Slideshow, from the webinar Understanding the basics of climate change, provides additional support for the video tutorial.
Use the slideshow menu for further options, including viewing in full screen.
Index
| Topic | Slideshow number(s) | Video timecode |
|---|---|---|
Welcome | 1 | 00:00 |
Index | 2 | 00:22 |
Resource links | 3 | 00:43 |
Introducing the Science Learning Hub, NZASE and Dr Chris Eames | 4–8 | 01:13 |
What is climate change? | 9–12 | 04:27 |
Weather versus climate | 13 | 05:49 |
Key ideas for understanding climate change | 14 | 06:33 |
The Sun's light energy | 15–17 | 06:55 |
The greenhouse effect and greenhouse gases | 18–23 | 08:38 |
Where do carbon dioxide and methane come from? | 24–30 | 13:16 |
Global warming | 31–36 | 21:39 |
Summary and the role of climate change education | 37–39 | 30:19 |
SLH links, keep in touch and thanks | 40 | 36:49 |
Related content
The resources mentioned in the webinar can be found in this collection Climate change – the basics which you can copy, edit and share.
These two webinars, also with Dr Chris Eames, explore climate change education in secondary schools and primary schools – looking at key ideas to support teaching and learning.
Want somewhere to start? Check out our articles Climate change – key terms, Weather and climate and What is climate change?
Students investigate and plan their own climate action with the activity Drive it Down! – reducing emissions at your school. It uses the experiences of an Auckland primary school as a springboard for gathering their own data and taking action.
To view all of our climate change resources, visit the Climate change topic – use the filters to see resources with a Primary level focus.
Agency in the Anthropocene article and presentation – provides current understanding and examples as well as exploring the PISA 2025 science framework and feature Chris.
Teaching futures thinking supports teachers with the Futures thinking toolkit and other resources and activities.
Useful link
Agency in the Anthropocene – a supporting document to the PISA 2025 Science Framework.
Acknowledgement
Thank you to Dr Chris Eames for sharing his expertise.
This webinar series is a collaboration between the Science Learning Hub – Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao and the New Zealand Association of Science Educators (NZASE).
