GREENHOUSE EFFECT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

NGSS Standard

Human activities, such as the release of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, are major factors in the current rise in Earth’s mean surface temperature (global warming). Reducing the level of climate change and reducing human vulnerability to whatever climate changes do occur depend on the understanding of climate science, engineering capabilities, and other kinds of knowledge, such as understanding of human behavior and on applying that knowledge wisely in decisions and activities.

Objectives

Students will able to:

Explain how greenhouse gases (e.g., CO₂, CH₄, H₂O vapor) trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and influence global temperatures.
Analyze how increasing greenhouse gas emissions are related to global warming and extreme weather events as presented in current news reports.
Formulate scientific questions, design and conduct virtual experiments, collect data, and draw conclusions based on their investigations.
Analyze cause-effect relationships, evaluate environmental impact, and create sustainable action ideas based on scientific evidence.
Reflect on how individual and collective actions contribute to climate change, and propose sustainable behaviors to reduce environmental impact.
Present investigation findings through oral or visual presentation and participate actively in class discussions about environmental sustainability.

Time Required

2×45 Minutes

Material Needed

Lecturer computer with internet access
Projector/Smartboard
one computer/laptop/tablet per student with internet access
Access to Virtual Laboratory Simulation
Speakers (for video sound)

Preparation

Upload the greenhouse effect media into the LMS
Prepare the Student Worksheet digitally
Test the virtual lab simulation beforehand to ensure smooth operation.

Learning Procedure

Problem Statement (Engage) – 10 minutes

Present the real-world issue to students:
“Extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and wildfires are happening more often. Scientists say global warming caused by human activities is making these events more intense. How does the greenhouse effect relate to this problem?” Watch the video: The Guardian: Climate Crisis – Why Extreme Weather Is the New Normal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSRtbcW3Pe4
Quick whole-class discussion:
What examples of extreme weather were shown?
Why is understanding the greenhouse effect important?

Formulating Questions (Explore) – 10 minutes

Students individually or in pairs write two investigable questions based on the problem and video. Example prompts:
“How does changing greenhouse gas levels affect Earth’s temperature?”
“What role do human activities play in the greenhouse effect?”
Share some student questions with the whole class.

Investigation Using Virtual Laboratory (Explore) – 30 minutes

Students log into the greenhouse effect media platform.
Follow the investigation steps in the virtual laboratory
Adjust the greenhouse gas concentration levels (low, medium, high).
Observe changes in the behavior of sunlight and infrared radiation.
Record temperature changes and notes in the provided table.
Students repeat experiments to confirm patterns.

Data Analysis and Drawing Conclusions (Explain and Elaborate) – 20 minutes