Climate In My Backyard (CLIMB) modules for K-12

Climate in My Backyard (CLIMB) is an educational outreach program serving K-12 schools and informal educators.

These dynamic educational modules are designed to engage and inspire students by connecting them with climate science researchers in Montana and the Rocky Mountain West. Through hands-on experiments and personal interactions with scientists and university students, young people will learn STEM skills such as collecting and sharing data; developing models and making predictions; and communicating and collaborating with other classrooms.

Download CLiMB overview for teachers here.

CLIMB modules for Summer 2013:

• Exploring Ecosystems:  Exploring Ecosystems is a five-lesson series for upper elementary and middle school classrooms offers baseline information on ecosystem principles including biodiversity, wildlife ecology and climate change as well as the principles and processes that guide field researchers. Includes hands-on activities, worksheets and field journals.
• Using GPS and GIS to Map Noxious Weeds: Join classrooms around Montana in a citizen science project to identify and map noxious weeds, while learning about the challenges of invasive species and how they affect our ecosystems." This citizen science project involves teachers located at 15 counties in Montana who are working with students to identify and map noxious weeds using GPS/GIS technologies. Teachers will share data with one another for comparison, and work with students to learn about the challenges of invasive species. When finished, the data collected can be shared with university researchers and Montana agencies. The project can also be replicated by other classrooms around Montana.
• Using Technology to Monitor and Map Water Quality Sites Affecting Our Ecosystems: This case study helps middle school and high school educators use DEQ-sanctioned procedures to collect local water samples; test the water samples for dissolved oxygen, pH and temperature; work with the DEQ to submit properly collected samples; and then use the data collected to draw conclusions regarding water quality in regard to ecosystems and human activity. Students will also use GPS technologies to map data collection sites and build an ArcGIS Explorer map with videos and photos. Extended learning projects include student presentations of the data and other science communications projects. 

Recent CLiMB Activities:

• Everest Education Expedition: The Everest Education Expedition developed several types of educational resources for people to learn more about Mount Everest while enhancing their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The materials are based on the 2012 historic expedition to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first successful American ascent of Mount Everest. Dave Lageson, a Montana State University geologist, conducted several research projects while part of the expedition, which was led by mountaineer and author Conrad Anker.
• Ring of Darhad Mongolia Wolverine Expedition: Join our partner, Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation, on the ! Follow the expedition scientists as they cross-country skied through remote and mountainous northern Mongolia, gathering DNA evidence of wolverines, and sharing their findings with students around the world. Seven hands-on lessons allow students to study ecosystems while applying wildlife ecology research techniques to their own local schoolyards. Lessons on ecosystems, biodiversity, wildlife ecology, and climate change were provided by the Montana Institute on Ecosystems (IoE) "Exploring Ecosystems: Biodiversity in my Backyard" curriculum series.