Question

Explain the relationship between weather, climate change, & global warming.

2. Using information from the video, what evidence can you give that supports the claim that Earth’s climate is changing?

3. Describe the cause and effect of global warming.

4. Why do scientists consider the ozone layer and greenhouse gases critical to life on earth?

5. Why is it important that we maintain stability with the ozone layer and greenhouse gasses?

6. How can we make a commitment to help heal our planet. first grade

Answer 1

1) The relationship between weather, climate change, and global warming
- Weather is what happens day to day. Example: today it might be sunny, rainy, or windy.
- Climate is the usual weather in a place over many years. Example: winters in your town are usually cold.
- Global warming is when Earth’s average temperature gets warmer. Global warming is one big kind of climate change. So weather = today, climate = many years, global warming = Earth getting warmer over time.

2) Evidence that Earth’s climate is changing (from the video and science)
- Temperatures are getting warmer around the world.
- Ice and snow in places like the Arctic and big glaciers are melting.
- Sea levels are slowly rising.
- We see more really hot days and more strong storms.
- Scientists measure more carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) in the air than before.

3) Cause and effect of global warming
- Cause: People burn oil, gas, and coal and cut down forests. This makes more greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide) in the air.
- Effect: The extra gases act like a blanket and trap more heat. The Earth gets warmer. This can melt ice, make sea levels rise, make weather more extreme, and make it harder for some animals and people to live where they used to.

4) Why the ozone layer and greenhouse gases are critical to life on Earth
- Ozone layer: it is like Earth’s sunscreen. It blocks some of the sun’s harmful rays so plants, animals, and people don’t get hurt.
- Greenhouse gases: they are like a warm blanket. We need some to keep Earth warm enough to live. Without them, Earth would be too cold.

5) Why it’s important to keep the ozone layer and greenhouse gases stable
- If the ozone layer becomes thin, too much harmful sun can reach us and hurt living things.
- If there are too many greenhouse gases, the Earth gets too hot and causes floods, droughts, and trouble for animals and people.
- Keeping both in balance helps life stay healthy and safe.

6) How a first grader can help heal the planet (easy actions and a short pledge)
Things you can do:
- Turn off lights when you leave a room.
- Walk, bike, or ride with family instead of always using the car.
- Recycle paper, plastic, and cans.
- Save water by turning off the tap while brushing teeth.
- Plant a tree or help in a garden.
- Pick up litter and be kind to plants and animals.
- Tell your family and friends how to help.

A simple pledge you can say:
“I promise to help the Earth. I will turn off lights, save water, recycle, and be kind to nature.”

You can do big things by doing many small things. Every kid can help!