HomeEducationNOAA Planet StewardsNOAA Planet Stewards Webinar Videos

# Using Simple Models in Climate Change Education

During this presentation Dr.  Randy Russell, a science educator at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) explored some fundamental concepts of climate science  that allow students to use simple models to actively investigate them. He began  with a basic calculation of the "theoretical" global average  temperature of our home planet - first walking through the science and math  behind the calculations, then using a simple computer-based model that allows  students to explore multiple "what if" scenarios. Next, he looked at  the Greenhouse Effect's impact on global temperatures and presented a physical  model illustrating the Greenhouse Effect and the layered structure of Earth's  atmosphere. Then, Dr. Russell presented how some straightforward math connects  anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions with future global temperatures - and  then explored another computer-based simulation that allows students to test  the impact of various emission scenarios on future global temperatures.  Finally, Dr. Russell took a look at an extensive online list of simulations,  games, and virtual labs for climate education.

  Randy Russell is passionate about creating and using educational simulations and games in a range of science education disciplines.                                        He develops games and simulations - mostly  computer-based, but some more traditional card and board and etc. games - for  use in STEM education. He also presents numerous teacher professional  development workshops on topics related to simulations, modeling and games,  including both face-to-face presentations as well as via online venues such as  webinars and online courses.

His original background is in  science (B.S. astrophysics, Michigan State University) and engineering (M.S.  aerospace engineering, U. of Maryland). He became interested in STEM education  and earned his doctorate in Educational Systems Development from Michigan  State.

Dr. Russell has been developing  educational resources at NCAR for 12 years. He created hundreds of web pages  about climate, atmospheric science, space weather, and various other topics for  the Windows to the Universe web site while it was hosted at NCAR. He has  presented numerous workshops at NSTA conferences, co-authored and/or taught  more than 20 online courses spanning a range of STEM topics, worked with numerous  science educators to develop computer-based interactives for TERC's Exploring  Earth project, and led a microbiology education project called the Microbe Zoo.

His current work focuses on the  development of simulations, games, and modeling resources covering climate,  weather, atmospheric science, and related Earth system science disciplines. He  believes that students learn best when their minds are active and they are  making decisions, and that simulations and games provide opportunities for  students to be active learners. He also thinks students should get outside in  the real world a lot!

###### **Education**

Upcoming EventsThe Watch: Newsletter ArchivesWebinar ArchivesBook Club ArchivesEducation Resources

###### **Stewardship**

Supporting Stewardship Past ProjectsFocus Area ResourcesApplying for Funding

*Subscribe to the NOAA Planet Stewards Mailing List.* View our archive of past newsletters. 

Your E-mail Address:

###### **Search** Education

###### Get **Social**

**Last updated:**   10/28/21**Author:** NOAAHow to cite this article

Contact Us

            - Provide Feedback 
            -  Contact Us 
            -  Report an error 

##### Science. Service.Stewardship.

###### 						About NOS 					

            - About Us
            - NOS Program Offices
            - Media Inquiries
            - Website Acknowledgements

###### 						Resources 					

            - Site Index
            - Disclaimer
            - Freedom of Information Act
            - Accessibility

###### 						More Resources 					

            - Information Quality
            - Privacy Policy
            - NOS For Employees
            - USA.gov

          -  National Ocean Service
          -  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
          -  Department of Commerce

##### 						Social 					

            - 
            - 
            - 
            - 
            -