The Global Change App

Abstract

The global carbon and water cycles, and the process of photosynthesis are integral components of any high school science class or university science degree. Despite being intricately linked, these important global processes are often taught in isolation. This disconnection can lead to students having an incomplete understanding of the interconnection of leaf level processes, global cycles, and how they are affected by human activities. The “Global Change” app is an interactive teaching tool that illustrates how the biotic and abiotic systems involved in carbon and water cycling are connected to the stomata, and how human activities are affecting these processes in a meaningful way for students. In this chapter, the authors identify key gaps in students understanding and explain how the app addresses these. Example lessons are provided that encourage student self-inquiry, in a way that allows flexible, interactive learning. The Global Change app demonstrates how creative design and science can be combined to enhance the engagement of students with complex scientific concepts.