Week 12: Climate Change

1. What did you do in lab today?

Today in lab, we discussed climate change and the movie Before the Flood. We then separated into groups to find the percent increase or decrease of precipitation in different regions of Iowa. My group had the Iowa State region. We calculated the average in the first 5 years and last 5 years of Ames, Boone, and Osage. After calculating the average of the different regions and then calculating the difference between the first 5 years and last 5 years, we were able to find that there has been a 22% increase in precipitation in the area. 

2. What was the big question? 

What do you think about climate change? What is going to happen to the Iowa goldfinch? 

3. What did you learn in Thursday's discussion?

In Thursday's lecture we had our Earth Science exam. 

Pressbook Chapter 17

1. What did you learn?

I learned that weather is short term and climate is long term. The weather is what is happening at the moment and the climate is what normally happens. I learned that a lot of people mix these up and when the weather is off they blame it on global warming. 

2. What was most helpful?

The acronym LOWER was very helpful to learn factors on what makes an area a hot or cold climate. LOWER stands for latitude, ocean currents, wind and air masses, elevation, and relief. This acronym helps me to remember these factors.

3. What do you need more information on?

I would like more information on how climate change impacts habitats. I would especially like to learn more about how climate change is affecting different animals in Iowa and their habitats. 

What questions, concerns, and/or comments do you have?

What are some ways that we can help the climate in Iowa and surrounding areas?