// ACLIPSE Session

Session 4. Introduction to Working with Climate Data

Participants first refer back to research on learning and are asked to discuss their own experiences as learners in this session. Participants consider the challenges in bringing real and near-real time data into the classroom in authentic ways, and strategies that support data use in the classroom. They also consider and discuss the tremendous value of having students engage with authentic, locally-relevant data as they explore concepts and engage in the process of science. Participants handle real data focused on water and air temperature as they look at patterns formed by ocean and atmospheric air temperatures. Using the data, reasoning and conceptual knowledge, they construct evidence-based explanations and discuss contradictory evidence for claims for climate patterns found in locations across the US. An optional activity enables participants to learn more about the different kinds of data visualizations scientists use depending on the data and question being investigated.