For Educators

Initial Publication Date: September 17, 2006

Climate Proxies: Educators' Collection

This climate proxy/paleoclimate collection includes activities, assignments, and reading materials created specifically for educators.

Climate Analysis Using Planktonic Foraminifera. This exercise allows students to manipulate scientific data, plot the data and then interpret their results. You might query the students as to what is the "cause" and what is the "effect" in this scientific problem. The fact that our planet's climate has changed drastically throughout geologic time will be emphasized. Students should recognize that the climate will likely continue to change in the future. ( This site may be offline. )
Climate Models & Predictions For The Future. These lecture notes from the University of Michigan's Global Change curriculum provide information about paleoclimate and climate modeling. This website includes a list of suggested readings, an image-rich overview of the paleoclimate record (including sections on ice core and deep sediment analyses) and causes of climate change, and a very brief summary of the lecture notes. (more info)
Inferring Ancient Environments from Fossil Foraminifera. Each student will use a reference diagram of fossil foraminifera with their paleo-water-depth assignments to interpret the water-depth of a particular area of California during the geologic past. The model of paleoenvironments and the species found in the samples are based on actual work by Ingle (1980) and Olson (1990). The reconstruction of Miocene environments is applied to the petroleum industry by looking for potential reservoir rock and source rock. ( This site may be offline. )
Learning about Climate. This site is the first in a series of websites by Geosource which provide general information about climate and past climates for K-5 teachers and students. The series provides a basic introduction to topics such as the difference between weather and climate, factors that effect climate, and what is a climate proxy (e.g. ice cores). The sites also feature colored illustrations and figures. (more info)
Paleoclimatology Education and Outreach. This NOAA website offers a collection of links to paleoclimate (past climate) information and data. Links are organized by topic, which include: highlights from the paleoclimatology program; Ocean sciences; Coral cores; Tree rings; Pollen; and Additional resources. (more info)
Poking About in the Climatologist's Toolbox. This site, hosted by the University of Wisconsin, is the first in a series of connected pages that discuss the methods scientists use to explore past climate. Informational sections (linked) include how Earth temperature is monitored, computer-based climate models, interpreting past climate from ice cores and lake sediments, how archeology relates to climate change, and how tree rings can help us interpret past climate. (more info)
Topic Guide: Paleoclimate. This University of California, Santa Barbara mini-study teaches students about determining paleoclimate (or past climate) based on recently collected data. Web links to data and background information are included, as are worksheet templates and guides for an optional student presentation. (more info)
Tracking Global Climate Change: Microfossil Record of the Planetary Heat Pump. This lesson plan integrates physics, biology, and geology to understand planetary processes that contribute to climate change through time. The plan includes a hands-on activity that demonstrates heat transfer as well as uses figures and charts to demonstrate how foraminifera (shelled microorganisms)can be used to interpret past climates. ( This site may be offline. )

Other Climate Proxy Collections

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General Collection Resources such as news articles, web sites, and reference pages provide a comprehensive array of information about paleoclimate and climate proxies.

Advanced Collection: Compiled for professionals and advanced learners, this climate proxy/paleoclimate collection includes resources such as journal articles, academic reviews, and surveys.