Derivatives Lesson: Evaluating NYC Climate Trends
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Created by Teacher(s): Teacher Community|Published on: May 30, 2026
Lesson Plan Created by New York Climate Education Hub teachers Scientist Reviewed
1112AP
Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
In this lesson, students apply calculus concepts, including derivatives, to analyze climate change trends using real-world data, then collaborate to synthesize their findings into a report that informs and inspires climate action.
Inquire: Students explore the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and consider how modeling is used for understanding climate change.
Investigate: Students calculate and interpret derivatives of CO₂ emissions plus one extra dataset (Arctic sea-ice cover extent, NYC average annual temperature, or NYC relative sea-level rise).
Inspire: In groups, students synthesize their findings from across datasets into an IPCC-style report to persuade policymakers to take climate action.
Share: This lesson plan is licensed under Creative Commons.
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Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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