Climate Change and Cars (K-2)
How much carbon to cars send into the atmosphere?Copyright 2020 NOVA, Public Broadcasting Service
This lesson introduces students to the concepts of climate change and what affects it. By the end of the lesson, students should have a basic understanding of the greenhouse effect, the carbon cycle, global warming, and how transportation can contribute to global warming. Students work together to understand how various forms of transportation have costs and benefits, and which modes of transportation are better for the environment.
Understanding the negative impact gas-powered cars have on the environment empowers engineers to develop alternative modes of transportation. With the rise of electric vehicles on the market, different engineers who specialize in chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering (and various other disciplines in engineering) can work together to design and develop car materials that are more sustainable and environmentally conscious.
After this lesson, students be able to:
- Describe the greenhouse effect.
- Recall the role carbon dioxide plays in the greenhouse effect.
- Recognize how transportation can affect the greenhouse effect.