Focus The Nation

To learn more about global warming I decided to watch Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth". I chose this film because I was always curious about it and wanted to see what all the hype was about. After viewing it though I will say that it may go down as history simply as one of the best PowerPoint presentation ever given. Though that's not to say I didn't learn anything.
1. That if the ice caps did melt off then 100 million people would have to find new homes.
2. Global warming is almost inevitable, the most we can do is simply delay it. We cannot rebuild the ozone, but at least we can slow the damage.
3. I also learned that humans as a whole are going to have to adapt in many and different ways if we have any chance in making a difference. It is not enough that either a small percentage are making big strides or that a large percentage are making little strides in the right direction. We need everyone to pull their own weight.

For how to help with global warming in the classroom I would show the impact it has had throughout history: changes in migration patters, ocean currents,etc. It would be interesting and fun to see how somethings as small as changes in ocean currents can effect so much. If the Atlantic current moves farther south, ships would have to change their courses, using more fuel. Animals would change their migration routes. Temperatures in northern Americas and Europe would lower. Yes, global warming will make the northern land areas much colder. I would probably try to show my student the most practical ways to help make a difference. I do not expect any of my students to go out and change the world individually, but as a whole, with enough common sense and information, maybe then they could make a difference. I believe that in the future, this topic is going to pop up more and more and it will be our jobs as teachers to help the next generation as much as possible.