Global Warming

Akiva Friedman

White Plains High School, Westchester County

Summer Research Program for Science Teachers

August 2007

Target Audience: AP Environmental Science

Objective:

Students will evaluate and synthesize information concerning all aspects of global warming and craft their responses using detailed scientific writing.

Materials/Setup: 

Day 1-Instructor should review mini-learning-station protocol.

Station 1: Multiple texts, diagrams, and sources. Questions include names of greenhouse gases, evidence, ppm, history, % warming.

Station 2: Chemical and structural formulas, molecular models, pencils and crayons with glue sticks/tape.

Station 3:  Effects of global warming with specific examples within articles and pictures.

Station 4: Design an experiment that tests the validity of anthropogenic global warming.

Station 5: + and – feedback. Connect to biological feedback (H₂CO₃, hormones,) ice albedo, deforestation, and arctic exploration.

Station 6: Laws & Treaties, Supreme Court decisions, Clean Air Act, mitigation, ICCC.

Day 2-Students should make common lab protocol and hypothesis for Day3.

Day 3-Lab experiment

Use large plastic containers with affixed thermometer. Students will construct greenhouses and fill them with air/nothing via vacuum pump/ air + CO₂/ air + CH₄. Students place the greenhouses in window, outside, and under IR light.

 Procedure:

1. Remind students it is each student’s responsibility to write, read, and share. Journals are exit passes.
2. Group students in 4’s with roles as readers, sharers, writers, and presenters of information. The groups and roles are flexible and fluid.
3. Use timer bell. Monitor each group for progress. Multiple bells mean stop and listen for adjustments.
4. On Day 2, students will prepare for lab activity. On day 3 of lab, students construct greenhouses and measure temperature change.

Summary:

Global Warming Questions (PDF File)

Day 1 Each student group’s oral reporter to shares answers with class. Each student should correct his/her paper. Teacher may use overhead to present answers.

Day 2 The class will agree and devise an experimental design with hypothesis.

Day 3 Each student group performs lab and presents the results of their experiment.

National Science Standards:  

• Teaching Standard: Use inquiry-based science program.
• Teaching Standard: Challenge students to accept responsibility for learning.
• Content Standard: Students should understand technological design.
• Content Standard: Students understand structure of Earth systems.