Introduction
This module seeks to:
– Address the role of data and dashboards in helping understand and address climate change
– Equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to investigate and draw conclusions on climate change using data and applications to manage this data.
– Identify and explore various scientific and data management tools, manipulate data and present findings using appropriate pedagogical approaches.
– Consider data quality and reliability.
Data dashboards
Dashboards present data, such as climate data, using visualisation tools such as graphs, charts, and tables.
Teaching the Future uses ArcGIS Dashboard to present climate data at different scales.
ArcGIS Dashboard
ArcGIS Dashboard is an interactive visualisation application that allows users to view, monitor, and analyse real-time data in a dynamic and customised way.
It is a software tool used to create custom dashboards and widgets that display data in a visual and easily understandable format.
Activity: Review the video introducing data dashboards and consider the potential of using such visualisations in your classes
Dashboards can be created using a variety of graphical elements such as charts, tables, maps, and diagrams that automatically update as underlying data changes. Widgets are interactive elements that allow users to explore the data and perform real-time analysis.
ArcGIS Dashboard is a useful tool for presenting and analysing data in a variety of educational settings. It allows for quick and easy visualisation of data, which can help in making informed decisions based on real-time information.
ArcGIS Dashboard is commonly used by educators to present data in a way that is engaging and easy to understand for students.
Using the TTF Climate Dashboard
There are 3 separate data dashboards
D1 – historical climate change data
D2 – predictions of future climate
D3 – high-resolution historical data – for Europe
Activity: Visit the Teaching the Future Data Dashboards and explore the different information provided.
Zoom in on the map, add layers of data to the maps, enlarge the maps
Activity: Download the Dashboard User Guide and review the data sets available
Dashboards for climate education
The Teaching the Future Climate Change Data Dashboard is an initiative to provide teachers and educators with reliable, relevant climate-related data collected by scientists and used in understanding the changes that have taken place in the recent past.
The Teaching the Future dashboard also offers teachers and students predictions of future warming using models elaborated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Some advantages of using the Teaching the Future data dashboard include:
* navigating and displaying the data, clearly and precisely
* providing climate information at different scales – from global to local
* attracting attention to scientific information, facilitating the teaching-learning process
* giving students the ability to visualise what’s happening and respond quickly
* highlighting what matters most on a screen full of data
* generating the potential for dynamic, active learning methodologies.
The next sections introduce the Teaching the Future data dashboards and develop GeoInquiries to explore the information they present