Alaska Graph Notes

6.B Analyze graphs and charts from multiple claims to identify the similarities and differences in patterns to determine that changes in the environments are caused by increasing temperatures.

See Alaska Wildfires and Sea Ice Key for information regarding assessment guidance.

To revisit part 1:

• Review the claims and graphs from Alaska Graph Notes, What Causes Wildfires?, and Alaska Graphs. Ask students what connections might be seen among the graphs and wildfire information.
• Focus on the temperature graph that shows an increase in temperature. Compare graphs from both claim sets to the temperature graphs for any similarities or patterns that may be present.
• Ask students if these patterns are across all graphs, or if all the claims might have a similar cause.

To revisit part 2:

• Direct students to the graphs. Ask if any of the graphs have anything in common, and how they are different.
• Cut out the graphs and place different graphs next to each other. Ask students if one graph is related to another graph, and how they may be related.
• Help students compare the temperature and precipitation data for the case site and Alaska, and then look for similar graphs that might share the same trend lines.
• Look at the graphs that have opposite trend line directions from the temperature graphs, and determine if there is a connection between increasing temperatures and the graph trend lines.
• Ask students if one of the graphs could cause a change in another graph.