Climate modelling for the classroom: applying physics and mathematics in a new context

Abstract

[Abstract]: The emergence of new scientific disciplines such as climate system and earth system science pose additional challenges to the traditional enabling disciplines physics, mathematics, biology and chemistry and their teaching. Yet these new disciplines rely on students being trained in the enabling sciences. In this article I introduce the art of climate modelling which, as a system science, applies traditional physical and mathematical concepts. I develop a simple climate model that can be applied to current environmental issues, including the debate on climate change. Students still use the tools of the enabling sciences; however their application is problem-based and linked to crucial environmental science issues.