Introduction
Global warming is the term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to be permanently changing the Earth's climate.
Task
Is human activity bringing about alarming global warming scenarios and related catastrophes?
Process
By the end of this lesson, students will:
1. Form definitions of the greenhouse effect based on prior knowledge, class discussion, and viewing diagrams.
2. Participate in group brainstorming sessions and class discussions related to the impact of the greenhouse effect and global warming.
3. Analyze global warming diagrams and resources to obtain a clear understanding of this scientific process.
4. Hypothesize about the effects of global warming on the climate and the world's populations.
5. Conduct research using a variety of primary sources to explore perspectives in the global warming debate.
6. Complete a Venn Diagram that compares various points of view on global warming issues.
7. Take a position on global warming and support this viewpoint with reasons, facts, and examples gathered during lesson activities.
8. Create a project that supports their point of view about global warming issues.
Evaluation
Task No.1:
Make a hypothesis about how the world's climate could change over the next 100 years if humans do nothing to limit the levels of their greenhouse gas emissions. Make predictions about the effects such climate changes could have on humans.
Task No.2:
Draw a scenario showing how the world would look like if the temperature will continue to rise.
Task No. 3
Complete a Venn Diagram that compares various points of view on global warming issues.
Conclusion
Discuss the effects of greenhouse gasses on the overall health of people worldwide. Address questions such as: • What types of illnesses/diseases can be attributed to greenhouse gas emissions? • How can changes in the world climate increase health risks for people worldwide?
Credits
The Heat Over Global Warming
http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/304/
God and Global Warming
http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/343/
Robert Redford: Business Warming Up to Environment
http://www.pbs.org/now/news/324.html
Emission Impossible?
http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/328/
Stepping Up on Climate Control
http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/319/step-it-up.html
Home Grown
http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/302/
E2: Energy
http://www.pbs.org/e2/energy.html
The Greens
http://meetthegreens.pbskids.org/
Online NewsHour: The Global Warming Debate http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/science/globalwarming/expl…
NewsHour Extra: Global Warming Fears Lead to Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june05/kyoto_2-14.html
Journey to Planet Earth: The State of the Planet: Global Warming http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/hotpolitics/reports/skeptics.ht…
What's Up With the Weather?
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/warming/
Teacher Page
Many people are concerned about the possibility that the earth is getting warmer and the effects this change might have on the earth's ecosystem. This unit includes classroom activities to help students understand global warming and its possible effects on human beings. Lessons in the unit provide students with opportunities to study global climate changes, discuss and debate the current arguments for and against global warming and the Greenhouse Effect, investigate the possibility of global warming and the Greenhouse Effect, and present their findings in the form of research reports.