El Niño and La Niña

Grade Level: 8th Grade

Subject: Earth Science

Time Allotment: 2-3 class periods

Project 2061 Benchmarks:

4B.11 The benefits of the earth´s resources-such as fresh water, air, soil and trees-can be reduced by using them wastefully or by deliberately or inadvertently destroying them. Them atmosphere and the oceans have a limit capacity to absorb wastes and recycle materials naturally.  Cleaning up polluted air, water, or soil or restoring depleted soil, forests, or fishing grounds can be very difficult and costly.

4C.2 Some changes in the earth´s surface is abrupt (such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions) while other changes happen very slowly (such as uplift and wearing down of mountains). The earth´s surface is shaped in part by the motion of water (currents, tidal, waves, El Niño, La Niña) and wind over very long times, which act to level mountain ranges.

4F.3 Heat can be transferred through materials by the collisions of atoms or across space by radiation. It the material is fluid; currents will be set up in it that aid the transfer of heat.

4F.4 Energy appears in different forms. Heat energy is in the disorderly motion of molecules; chemical energy is in the arrangement of atoms; mechanical energy is in moving bodies or in elastically distorted shapes, gravitational energy is in the separation of mutually attracting masses.

National Science Standards:

F.3.c Natural hazards can present personal and societal challenges because misidentifying the change or incorrectly estimating the rate and scale of change may result in either too little attention and significant human cost or too much cost for unneeded preventive measures.

Kindness in: Environmental Awareness, Volunteering and Social Project, Research for the common goods

Perseverance in: Environmental Impact, Collaboration, Research and Analysis

Discipline in: Environmental Challenges, Teamwork Responsibility, Commitment to Reseach

Skills: Modeling and Simulation, Satellite Image Interpretation, Teamwork, Navigation Skills, Environmental Awareness, Scientific Communication, Problem Solving and Computational Skills

Learning Objectives:

• Students will be able to define El Niño and La Niña.
• Students will be able to explain the causes and effects of El Niño and La Niña.
• Students will be able to analyze how El Niño and La Niña impact weather patterns and ecosystems.
• Students will be able to evaluate the potential impacts of climate change on El Niño and La Niña events.

Materials:

• Whiteboard/projector
• Markers/pens
• Student notebooks/journals
• Internet access (for research and video viewing)
• Maps of ocean currents and global wind patterns
• Optional: Modeling clay or playdough

INERT Method:

1. Introduction:

• Engage: Begin with a captivating image or video showcasing the impacts of extreme weather events (e.g., floods, droughts).
• Explore: Brainstorm with students about potential causes of these extreme weather events.

2. Network:

• Research and Exploration: Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific aspect of El Niño or La Niña (e.g., causes, effects on weather patterns, impacts on ecosystems).
• Resource Exploration: Provide students with a variety of resources, such as:
  • Online articles and videos from reputable sources (NASA, NOAA, National Geographic)
  • Interactive maps and simulations
  • Diagrams and illustrations
• Data Collection: Encourage students to collect data and evidence from their research.

3. Explain:

• Group Presentations: Have each group present their findings to the class.
• Teacher-Led Discussion: Facilitate a class discussion to synthesize information and address any misconceptions.
• Key Concepts:
  • Define El Niño and La Niña as deviations from normal ocean-atmosphere conditions.
  • Explain the role of ocean currents and wind patterns in driving these phenomena.
  • Discuss the impacts of El Niño and La Niña on weather patterns, including changes in precipitation, temperature, and wind.
  • Analyze the effects of El Niño and La Niña on ecosystems, such as fisheries and agriculture.

4. Reflect:

• Journaling: Have students reflect on their learning by writing in their journals about the most interesting or surprising aspects of El Niño and La Niña.
• Discussion: Facilitate a class discussion on the following questions:
  • How do El Niño and La Niña events affect people around the world?
  • How can we prepare for and mitigate the impacts of these events?
  • How might climate change influence the frequency and intensity of El Niño and La Niña events?

5. Transform:

• Modeling Activity: Use modeling clay or playdough to create simple models of ocean currents and wind patterns, demonstrating how El Niño and La Niña affect these systems.
• Creative Expression: Have students create presentations, posters, or short videos to communicate their understanding of El Niño and La Niña.
• Real-World Connections: Discuss the impact of El Niño and La Niña on local weather patterns and ecosystems.
• Action Plan: Encourage students to brainstorm ways to reduce the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable practices.

Differentiation:

• For advanced learners: Assign more complex research questions or encourage independent research projects.
• For struggling learners: Provide simplified readings, visual aids, and peer tutoring support.
• English Language Learners: Provide bilingual resources and allow for alternative methods of expression (e.g., drawings, presentations in their native language).

Note: This is a general framework. Feel free to adjust the activities and time allotment to fit the specific needs and interests of your students.