Global Warming and Climate Change: Print Resources
This is a collection of print resources covering Global Warming and Climate Change. A separate collection of Electronic Resources is also available.
Below are outstanding and recommended titles by the National Science Teachers Association that fit this year’s theme for National Chemistry Week. Descriptions are based on reviews from the NSTA web site.
Key: E = Elementary (K–5), I = Intermediate (6–8), HS = High School (9–12), C = College, G = General Public
- Forecasting the Future: Exploring Evidence for Global Climate Change. Arlington, VA: NSTA Press, 1996. 160pp. ISBN 0-87355-139-7. (I, HS)
- Is the world getting warmer? Is this part of a long time change in the Earth’s climate systems? This
book is a valuable resource for examining the material and scientific evidence on global warming. It begins
with reference material to provide background on the topic. Fourteen interdisciplinary student activities
are cross-referenced to this content summary to make them easy to use. The integrated, inquiry-based
approach of this book takes climate change beyond traditional meteorology content and allows students to
examine this topic in terms of biology (including both plants and animals), the geology of fossil and
sedimentation evidence, chemistry, and physics.
Source: NSTA recommends - Global Warming: A Threat to our Future. Paul Stein. NY: Rosen, 2001. 64pp. ISBN 0-8239-3414-4. (I)
- One of eight volumes in The Library of Future Weather and Climate series, this is an excellent reference
on an important topic. The author does not question the reality of global warming, but argues for more
research on temperature increases since 1979. The first chapter explains that the temperature of the Earth
depends upon the balance between incoming solar radiation and Earth’s outgoing radiation. The book
gives a precise definition of photosynthesis and a clear explanation of the relationship between that
process and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. After outlining the link between the burning of fossil fuels
and the greenhouse effect, the author concludes with a call for further study of climate and its impact on
our planet.
Source: NSTA recommends - Global Warming: Understanding the Debate. Kenneth Green. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 2002. 128pp. ISBN 0766016919. (I, HS)
- This book leads young readers through the very relevant, complex, and conceptually rich topic of global
warming. This evenhanded treatment of the debate would be accessible to a mature sixth grade reader, but
would best serve older students with a stronger science background. The writing is well illustrated, and
complex concepts are supported with metaphors. The author raises questions that promote scientific
thinking and an understanding of the scientific method. He discusses the measurement challenges and
limitations of each data set taken. One shortcoming is the omission that ice core research provides
additional evidence for rapid climate change in the Earth’s history. Sudden and radical changes in
the past may have implications for the present.
Source: NSTA recommends - Ice Ages of the Future. Paul Stein. NY: Rosen, 2001. 64pp. ISBN 0-8239-3415-2. (I)
- One in a series of eight books in The Library of Future Weather and Climate, this book is a
thought-provoking resource on climate for upper elementary or middle school students. Paul Stein
systematically explains the historical background and scientific processes that could lead to an
ice age. Pictures that go along with the text are colorful and informative, and excellent use of
language serves readers with or without a scientific background. The book begins by explaining
how scientists study past weather conditions by drilling into ice cores and examining trapped
air bubbles. The study of past climatic events has assisted us in understanding ice ages and how
they shaped the continents and oceans of today. Stein guides us through the kinds of factors
that could lead to a future ice age. Paradoxically, global warming could affect ocean currents
enough to trigger a global cold snap or even another ice age.
Source: NSTA recommends - National Geographic Student Atlas of the World. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society,�2001. 128pp. ISBN 0-7922-7235-8. (HS)
- This rich resource serves as a comprehensive integrated studies tool. Students conducting
science, technology, and society investigations may tap into the wealth of information in this
atlas. Included are maps featuring various topics: geologic history, physical characteristics,
climate, vegetation, population, culture, economy, food distribution, and natural resources.
Includes a glossary, index, and list of web sites.
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 for 2002
Copyright © 2003 American Chemical Society