The Smithsonian's "Prehistoric Climate Change" Idealab interactive is an educational tool that allows students to explore past climate change by examining fossil leaves. The interactive teaches users about "leaf-margin analysis," a scientific method used to infer past temperatures by examining the shapes of fossilized leaves. It focuses on the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, a period of rapid global warming that occurred about 55 million years ago, and examines fossil leaves from before and during this period. The interactive emphasizes the relevance of studying prehistoric climate change to understanding and addressing current climate change challenges. The web-based interactive was developed as a digital student-directed version of “Prehistoric Climate Change” issue of Smithsonian in Your Classroom magazine. The interactive features:
Fossil Leaf Examination: Users examine digital images of fossil leaves and categorize them as having either smooth or toothed edges.
Temperature Inference: They then use the percentage of smooth-edged leaves to estimate the average annual temperature at the time the leaves were alive.
Data Analysis: The interactive guides students through calculating smooth-leaf percentages and average annual temperatures at different fossil sites.
Comparison and Interpretation: Users compare the calculated temperatures at different sites and interpret the data to understand the extent and impact of the PETM warming event.
Hands-on Paleontology: It provides a hands-on approach to paleontology, allowing users to learn about a real scientific method used to study past climates.
Data Analysis Skills: The interactive promotes data analysis and interpretation skills by guiding users through calculations and comparisons.
Relevance of Scientific Research: The interactive emphasizes the importance of scientific research, particularly paleontology, in understanding and addressing climate change.
Organization: Smithsonian Institution
Audiences: Students
Roles: Concept, project manager, art director, design team management, engineering team management, UX/UAT testing lead, communication lead
View Smithsonian Prehistoric Climate Change Project →
