Assessment
Use the 3.3 Grading the Explaining Relationships Between Earth Systems Worksheet as a guide during the small and large group discussions in this activity. Because the goal of the conversation is consensus, try to encourage the class to discuss any ideas that diverge from the scientific explanation. By the time they have finished constructing their written explanations, they should be able to point to increasing CO2 levels as the driver of all Earth systems on the worksheet, which causes increased global temperatures, which in turn causes sea level rise and arctic ice melt.
Tips
Have students sit in small groups of 3-4 during the introduction to the worksheet so that they have an opportunity to discuss possible relationships between the graphs before sharing out with the class. From the first group, you can have one person from the group report out their thoughts. The next (and remainder of the) groups can either agree or share other ideas they have about relationships between the graphs. If conflicting ideas arise, have students talk to each other to evaluate the differences – ideally they should be able to reach consensus.