The greenhouse effect and its consequences - Investigating global warming | Teach with space G03
This set of activities includes hands-on experiments and the interpretation of satellite images for better understanding the overall effects of global warming. In activity 1 students will make a model to demonstrate the greenhouse effect by showing that a higher level of carbon dioxide (CO2) means a higher temperature. The experiment will be complemented by the interpretation of satellite images showing the Earth’s CO2 levels at different time periods. Students will then learn about some of the consequences of an increased greenhouse effect – ice melting and changing albedo values. Students will explore these topics in activities 2 and 3.
What the greenhouse effect is and how human activity changes the energy balance in Earth’s atmosphere.
• The potential effects of increased levels of carbon dioxide on the Earth’s climate.
• Possible consequences of the increased greenhouse effect.
• The different consequences of flooding and rising sea water level due to melting sea-ice and melting ice sheets and glaciers.
• What albedo is and how the reflectivity of different surfaces affect temperature.
• How Earth observation can be used to monitor Earth’s climate.
- Earth Science, Physics, Science
- Age 12-15, Age 12-19
- Up to 1 hour
- Earth Observation, Weather & Climate
