Summary For this inquiry based lesson, the students will develop and test a scenario using a climate model over the course of two class periods. Students will read and interpret graphs of data to understand the relationship between carbon dioxide emissions and global average temperature. This online investigative activity connected to what they have already learned about the Greenhouse Effect as an introduction to climate change. Additionally students will connect their learning to current events through the use of a New York Times article. The students will be given the opportunity to explore ideas through the manipulation of a scientific model and will be challenged to create explanations for their observations. Student understanding is extended though application of learned concepts to a new situation. Students practiced scientific inquiry by forming hypotheses and testing scenarios.
Learning Objectives 1. Students will be able to identify the main Greenhouse gas emitted by human activities and give examples of activities that emit this gas. 2. Students will analyze the cause and effect relationship between human emissions of Greenhouse gases and Climate Change. 3. Students will recognize the effects that the Human Enhanced Greenhouse Effect has on Climate Change. 4. Students will summarize the impact that atmospheric Carbon Dioxide has on the Earth’s average global temperature.
Standards Human activities, such as the release of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels, are major factors in global warming. Reducing the level of climate change and reducing human vulnerability to whatever climate changes do occur depend on the understanding of climate science, engineering capabilities, and other kinds of knowledge, such as understanding of human behavior and on applying that knowledge wisely in decisions and activities. A Framework for K-12 Science Education, ESS.3D: Global Climate Change, Grade 8 Endpoint.
Interpret and represent results of analysis to produce findings. Illinois State Board of Education Inquiry Standards; 11.A.3f