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Proxy vs. Real Temperature Data — Reading Comprehension

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MS-ESS2-6
MS-ESS3-5; RST.6-8.1
RST.6-8.4
RST.6-8.7

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This educational passage explores the crucial distinction between proxy temperature data and real temperature data, essential for understanding global warming and climate change. Students will learn how scientists use different methods to track Earth's past and present temperatures, aligning with NGSS standard MS-ESS3-5: Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century. Key concepts include tree rings, ice cores, and historical thermometer readings. This passage is designed for a Grade 6 reading level, using simple language and defining important terms. It includes activities to assess comprehension and reinforce learning. The passage is also audio integrated for enhanced accessibility.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Mercury in Ice Core Upper Fremont Glacier" by U.S. Geological Survey / Wikimedia Commons

Have you ever wondered how scientists know about Earth's temperature from hundreds or even thousands of years ago? They didn't have thermometers back then! This is where the difference between real temperature data and proxy temperature data comes in handy for understanding global warming and climate change.

Real temperature data is what we get directly from tools like thermometers. These tools measure the temperature right now, or at a specific time in the recent past. For example, when a weather reporter tells you the temperature outside, they are using real temperature data. Weather stations all over the world collect this information every day. This kind of data is very accurate and helps us see how temperatures are changing in our lifetimes.

But what about before thermometers existed? That's when scientists use proxy temperature data. A "proxy" is something that stands in for something else. So, proxy temperature data isn't a direct measurement of temperature. Instead, it comes from natural sources that are affected by temperature. By studying these sources, scientists can estimate what the temperature was like long ago. These sources are like natural archives of Earth's past climate.

Examples of proxy data include tree rings, ice cores, and ocean sediments. For instance, trees grow wider rings in warm, wet years and narrower rings in cold, dry years. By looking at the pattern of rings in old trees, scientists can learn about past temperatures and rainfall. Similarly, ice cores are long tubes of ice drilled from glaciers or ice sheets. Each layer of ice holds clues about the temperature and atmosphere from the time it formed. Even tiny organisms in ocean sediments can tell us about ancient ocean temperatures.

Both real and proxy temperature data are important for understanding how Earth's climate has changed over a long time. Real temperature data gives us precise information about recent warming trends, which are linked to human activities. Proxy data helps us put these recent changes into a bigger picture, showing us how current global warming compares to natural temperature changes from the past. Together, they provide strong evidence that our planet is indeed getting warmer, and help scientists study the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.

Interesting Fact: The oldest ice core ever drilled, from Antarctica, provides climate data going back over 800,000 years!

What is real temperature data?

From old tree ringsDirect thermometer readingsFrom ancient ice coresFrom ocean sediments

What is a 'proxy' in science?

A direct measurementSomething that stands inA type of thermometerA weather station

Why is real temperature data important?

Only for ancient timesTo guess future weatherShows recent warmingTo study tree growth

What can wider tree rings indicate?

Colder, dry yearsWarm, wet yearsNo climate changeRecent human activity

What does an ice core contain?

Modern thermometersOnly tree barkClues about past climateDirect rain measurements

How far back can the oldest ice core data go?