Gulf Stream Heat Budget and Europe's Mild Climate: A Problem-based Learning Activity

Warren C. Tomkiewicz, Plymouth State University, From the On The Cutting Edge activity collection

In this role-playing activity, learners are presented with a scenario in which they determine whether the Gulf Stream is responsible for keeping northern Europe warm. They must also address the potential future of the Gulf Stream if polar ice were to continue melting. The students work in small groups to identify the issue, discuss the problem, and develop a problem statement. They are then asked what they need to know to solve the problem.

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Notes from our reviewers

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Different research questions could be assigned to different students so that during the final presentation knowledge about different topics is shared.
From the activity summary: "The United Nations International Research Program has assigned your research group the task of making a recommendation as to whether the Gulf Stream is responsible for keeping Europe anomalously warm and the potential effects if polar ice were to continue melting." Activity can be modified to answer numerous research questions. Great way for students to learn the scientific process. A good activity before term papers are assigned. Comments from expert scientist: Specific strengths include: - students find resources and real data - students are expected to analyze real data - students work together to expand their understanding of the topic - assessment includes both written and oral presentation of findings - students predict future results based on their own working knowledge of a physical system as it functions currently, but with key physical parameters altered in response to climate change.