Grade 8 · Science · Unit 7 of 8
Evidence of Climate Change
Spot the clues that show Earth is warming.
What your child practises
Practises telling weather from climate, the greenhouse effect, kinetic molecular theory and thermal expansion, and the evidence for climate change, including the Mi’kmaw view that long-term observation counts. Ties to the Nova Scotia Grade 8 science outcomes on Climate Change.
Nova Scotia Curriculum learning outcome: Climate Change · Explain evidence for climate change, using records, particles and ocean observations
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
Satellites help scientists by…
- planting trees
- measuring sea ice and temperatures from space
- making rain
Show answer
measuring sea ice and temperatures from space
Hint: Satellites give a view of the whole planet over many years.
Question 2
Kinetic molecular theory says that when water is heated, its particles…
- stop moving until it cools
- move more slowly and pack closer
- move faster and spread slightly farther apart
Show answer
move faster and spread slightly farther apart
Hint: Heat gives particles more energy, so they move faster and need more room.
Question 3
Which of these is a greenhouse gas?
- argon
- carbon dioxide
- nitrogen
Show answer
carbon dioxide
Hint: Carbon dioxide traps heat. Nitrogen and argon do not.
Question 4
Why is the ocean such an important store of heat?
- Water reflects all heat back into space
- Oceans make their own heat from salt
- Water can take in a lot of heat energy
Show answer
Water can take in a lot of heat energy
Hint: Oceans have soaked up most of the extra heat in the climate system.
Question 5
Thermometer records over more than a century show Earth's average surface temperature has…
- fallen steadily
- risen
- stayed exactly the same
Show answer
risen
Hint: Records from around the world show a warming trend over time.
Question 6
Fish species once found farther south are now found in cooler northern waters. This is evidence of…
- tides getting weaker
- a lower sea level
- species ranges shifting as waters warm
Show answer
species ranges shifting as waters warm
Hint: Animals move to stay in water that suits them, and scientists track where they are found.