El Nino
Initial Publication Date: July 15, 2005
Summary
Introduce students to El Nino through Lecture, Lab, and problem based learning components.
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Context
Audience
Any course where discussion of El Nino is addressed. Level of work is adjustable from introductory levels to advanced.
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered
Variable - depends upon level desired. No advance knowledge, unless instructor deems necessary for their course requirement levels.
How the activity is situated in the course
Stand alone exercise.
Goals
Content/concepts goals for this activity
I would like my students to be able to understand data presented graphically, in a variety of forms. Students should be able to understand global system sphere relationships and how those spheres are interrelated to ENSO. Students should understand the basic principles of the el nino cycle and understand the history and outcomes of the el nino observing system (TOGA-TAO tower array).
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
Other skills goals for this activity
Description of the activity/assignment
Introduce students to El Nino through Lecture, Lab, and problem based learning components.
Determining whether students have met the goals
Grade with rubrics.
More information about assessment tools and techniques.Teaching materials and tips
Other Materials
Supporting references/URLs
http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tao/elnino (go to climate)
http://topex-www.jpl.nasa.gov/science/enso97/el_nino_1997.html (TOPEX/Poseidon satellite altimeter data on sea surface height changes between March 1997 and December 2002)
http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/ensocycle/meansst.html (average or "normal" sea surface temperatures in the Southern Pacific over a year's time)
http://www.cdc.noaa.gov/map/clim/sst_olr/old_sst/sst_anim_4panel.shtml (sea surface temperature anomalies in the Southern Pacific before, during and after four recent El Niñ
http://topex-www.jpl.nasa.gov/science/enso97/el_nino_1997.html (TOPEX/Poseidon satellite altimeter data on sea surface height changes between March 1997 and December 2002)
http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/ensocycle/meansst.html (average or "normal" sea surface temperatures in the Southern Pacific over a year's time)
http://www.cdc.noaa.gov/map/clim/sst_olr/old_sst/sst_anim_4panel.shtml (sea surface temperature anomalies in the Southern Pacific before, during and after four recent El Niñ