What Happens to Our Air as Population Grows?
Data Story
In this Critique, Correct, Clarify (C3) Data Story, students investigate how Earth's atmosphere has changed as the world's population has grown. Using data from 1991 to 2021, students analyze trends in world population, particulate matter levels, and carbon dioxide levels. They evaluate the claim, "As the world's population grows, all types of air pollution increase," and use evidence from multiple graphs to decide whether the claim is supported. Students learn that different measurements can change in different ways over time. They use evidence to critique a claim, identify reasoning errors, and revise the claim so it accurately reflects the data. Teacher Notes This lesson uses line graphs because they help students see how data change over time. Remind students that: An uphill line shows something increasing over time. A downhill line shows something decreasing over time. Students may notice: The world's population increased over time. Particulate matter generally decreased over time. Carbon dioxide generally increased over time. Encourage students to evaluate each graph separately before deciding whether the student's claim is supported.
The air around Earth is shared by everyone who lives here. Scientists and mathematicians measure and analyze different kinds of data about the air to better understand how Earth's atmosphere changes over time. In this data story, you will look at data about: [--- World Population – the number of people living on Earth. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – A gas that is naturally found in the air. People and animals breathe out carbon dioxide, and it is also released when fuels such as gasoline, coal, and natural gas are burned. Particulate Matter – Tiny pieces of dust, smoke, and other materials that float in the air. Claim: A statement that can be supported or challenged with evidence. ---] {alert-vocabulary} A student made this claim: "As the world's population grows, all types of air pollution increase." Use the data to decide if the evidence supports the student's claim. Click Next to begin!
Topics and standards: Critique-Correct-Clarify, 5-G-A-2, Tuva Jr., 4-MD-B-4, 4-E-12-1, 4-G-7-2, 5-A-4-2