Greenhouse Effect Models: Hot Stuff!
Students examine greenhouse gas emissionsCopyright 2007 Analogue Kid, Wikimedia Commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gavin_Plant.JPG
Students observe teacher-led demonstrations, and build and evaluate simple models to understand the greenhouse effect and the role of increased greenhouse gas concentration in global warming.
To address global warming, engineers of all disciplines must understand the greenhouse effect and its causes, and then creatively design new technologies to reduce the production of greenhouse gases. Some engineers examine the types of chemicals released in the manufacturing process, and re-design new ways of production or methods to remove harmful chemicals before factory emissions are released into the atmosphere. Others re-design engines to make more efficient the fuel burning process and/or reduce chemical emissions.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain that human activities increase carbon dioxide concentrations (air pollution).
- Explain that carbon dioxide gas is a greenhouse gas whose increased concentration in the atmosphere contributes to global warming.
- Build, test and evaluate different models of the greenhouse effect and global warming.
- Explain why engineers need to know the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.