Explain MS-3
There are several variables that play a role in predicting the start of an El Niño. In simplest terms they include abnormally warm sea surface temperatures, SST of the tropical Pacific, weakening of the trade winds, and changes in rainfall variability over the Pacific region. Students will be looking at these variables to make predictions about the next El Nino, based on the evidence they analyze.
Explain MS-2
There are three components that affect wildfires, temperature, wind, and moisture. In this activity, students work on correlating data about temperature, precipitation, and drought with incidents of wildfire.
Explain MS-1
Watch the following segments from Episode 1. After watching each set, have students work in small groups to answer the questions. Discussing the evidence and opinions found in each clip is important in helping students increase their critical thinking skills related to the world they live in including issues that affect us locally and globally.