Students will create graphs on the concentrations of various greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere in recent history. They will look for trends in the data.
The graphs indicate the rising trend of several greenhouse gases, which may or may not contribute to current global warming, but which probably will if increases continue. Note however the decrease in production of CFCs because of an international agreement to reduce their production. CFCs not only are a greenhouse gas, but more significantly damage the earth's ozone layer which protects us from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet light.
Inform the students that they have been assigned a position in a research institute dealing with global climate issues. A research scientist has just given them some "raw" data regarding greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere. Within a week there will be a major international conference on global change. The data needs to be presented and organized in a meaningful and useful way.
Greenhouse gases allow the Sun's light to pass through them to the surface of Earth, but they also absorb some of the infrared radiation from Earth's surface. This creates an effect similar to that in a greenhouse. Gases, like glass in a greenhouse, help trap heat and keep it from escaping. There is concern over whether increases in these gases are contributing to global warming. The first step in investigating this is to determine whether amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have been increasing.
Discuss the role of data analysis in scientific research. How do choices in displaying data, for example as tables of data or as graphs, affect communication?
Can graphs be misleading by changing the x-axis and y-axis number increments?
Discuss with your students the types of changes that can be made to reduce CO2 emissions. What is their county, state, or country doing (if anything) to help? Have the students ask older family members or friends about the impact that reducing CFCs has had on their daily lives. Do they feel changing their lifestyle or spending habits to help reduce CO2 is worthwhile?
Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.