Greenhouse Effect – Climate Change Education Across the Curricula, Across the Globe

Reading: Beer-Lambert Law

Posted by TROP ICSU: Climate Change Education across the Curriculaon December 26, 2021January 17, 2022in Chemistry

A reading that uses the Beer-Lambert Law to highlight the link between greenhouse gases and global warming. This reading by Tom Kuntzleman, Chemical Education Xchange (ChemEd X), uses the Beer-Lambert Law to explain the increasing global warming potential of Earth’s atmosphere due to the higher concentrations of greenhouse gases in recent times.

Students will learn about the composition of the atmosphere and the greenhouse effect. They will also be introduced to the Beer-Lambert Law which is used to study the transmittance of sunlight through the atmosphere. They will further learn how this law can be used to evaluate the absorbance values of individual gases in the atmosphere, particularly greenhouse gases.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

What is the Beer-Lambert Law? How is it expressed in an equation?
Discuss the composition of the atmosphere.
How do increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases affect the absorbance of sunlight?

About the tool

Tool Name	Chemical Connections to Climate Change
Discipline	Chemistry
Topic(s) in Discipline	Beer-Lambert Law, Molar Absorptivity, Solar Absorption, Greenhouse Gases
Climate Topic	Climate and the Atmosphere; Greenhouse Effect
Type of tool	Reading
Grade Level	High School
Location	Global
Language	English
Translation
Developed by	Tom Kuntzleman, Spring Arbor University
Hosted at	Chemical Education Xchange (ChemEd X) Website
Link	https://www.chemedx.org/blog/chemical-connections-climate-change
Access	Online
Computer Skills	Basic

Classroom/Laboratory Activity: Black Carbon and Earth’s Albedo

Posted by TROP ICSU: Climate Change Education across the Curriculaon December 22, 2021January 17, 2022in Chemistry

A laboratory activity to demonstrate the effect of black carbon on surface temperature of the Earth. This activity by Holzer et al. for the NESTA/Windows to the Universe team demonstrates the impact of black carbon on solar radiation absorption, particularly in the poles.

Students will be introduced to the albedo effect of black carbon. From the experiment, they will also learn how to collect and translate their findings using a simple model.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

What is the albedo effect of black carbon and how does it affect the surface temperature of Earth?
Discuss how cutting down of black carbon emissions can reduce global surface temperatures.

About the tool

Tool Name	Changing Planet: Black Carbon- A Dusty Situation
Discipline	Chemistry
Topic(s) in Discipline	Carbon Chemistry, Allotropy, Allotropes of carbon, Black Carbon, Greenhouse Gas
Climate Topic	Climate and the Atmosphere, Greenhouse Effect
Type of tool	Classroom/Laboratory Activity
Grade Level	High School
Location	Global
Language	English
Translation
Developed by	Missy Holzer, Jennifer Bergman, and Roberta Johnson
Hosted at	NESTA/Windows to the Universe team Website
Link	Link
Access	Online
Computer Skills	Basic

Model/ Simulator: The Greenhouse Effect

Posted by TROP ICSU: Climate Change Education across the Curriculaon December 9, 2021January 17, 2022in Chemistry

An interactive simulation to explore the role of different greenhouse gases in causing the greenhouse effect. This PhET simulation titled, ‘The Greenhouse Effect’ by University of Colorado, Boulder, helps to visualize the greenhouse effect of the atmosphere.

Students will learn how certain gases in the atmosphere absorb outgoing terrestrial radiation and re-radiate the energy back to Earth’s surface. Using the simulation, they will also be able to adjust the concentration of different greenhouse gases and to note the corresponding surface temperatures of the planet.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

What are greenhouse gases?
What is the ‘greenhouse effect’ of the Earth’s atmosphere?
Discuss how varying concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere cause global warming.

About the tool

Tool Name	The Greenhouse Effect
Discipline	Chemistry
Topic(s) in Discipline	Greenhouse Effect, Greenhouse Gases (GHGs), Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Global Warming
Climate Topic	Greenhouse Effect; Introduction to Climate Change
Type of tool	Simulation
Grade Level	Middle School, High School
Location	Global
Language	English, French, German, and Spanish
Translation
Developed by	PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado
Hosted at	PhET Interactive Simulations Website
Link	https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/greenhouse
Access	Online
Computer Skills	Basic

Teaching Module: The Greenhouse Effect

Posted by TROP ICSU: Climate Change Education across the Curriculaon December 8, 2021January 17, 2022in Chemistry

A teaching module for teachers that explains what greenhouse gases are and describes their role in causing global warming. This resource developed by the Office for Climate Education (OCE) introduces students to the concept of the greenhouse effect and the importance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The module is based on the IPCC Special Report -Global Warming of 1.5°C and has been developed especially for teachers.

Students will be introduced to the topic of greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect of the atmosphere. They will further learn about the relationship between this effect and global warming.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

What is the ‘greenhouse effect’?
Discuss how the industrial revolution has resulted in an increase in the concentration of some GHGs in the atmosphere and how this contributes to global warming.

About the tool

Tool Name	‘A. Understanding global warming’, pages 7-9 of the document, ‘IPCC Special Report “Global Warming of 1.5 0 C”- Summary for Teachers’
Discipline	Chemistry
Topic(s) in Discipline	Greenhouse Effect, Greenhouse Gases (GHGs), Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Global Warming, Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Climate Topic	Greenhouse Effect; Introduction to Climate Change
Type of tool	Reading
Grade Level	Middle School, High School
Location	Global
Language	English
Translation
Developed by	Office for Climate Education (OCE)
Hosted at	Office for Climate Education (OCE) Website
Link	Link
Access	Online/Offline
Computer Skills	Basic

Reading: Black Carbon – An Introduction

Posted by TROP ICSU: Climate Change Education across the Curriculaon December 7, 2021January 17, 2022in Chemistry

An infographic that contains information on black carbon in the atmosphere and its contribution to global warming. This infographic titled, ‘Black Carbon’, by Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), explains what black carbon is, its sources, emission rates, impacts on health and climate, and solutions to reduce its emission.

Students will get a brief overview of how black carbon is formed, how long it remains in the atmosphere and its impacts on climate and health. They will also learn about some of the solutions that have been suggested to curb this pollutant.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

Describe some of the impacts of black carbon on climate and health.
Discuss the feasibility of the solutions proposed in the infographic in the context of a developing country.

About the tool

Tool Name	Black carbon
Discipline	Chemistry
Topic(s) in Discipline	Carbon Chemistry, Allotropy, Allotropes of carbon, Black Carbon, Greenhouse Gas
Climate Topic	Climate and the Atmosphere, Greenhouse Effect
Type of tool	Reading (Infographic)
Grade Level	High School
Location	Global
Language	English
Translation
Developed by	Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC)
Hosted at	Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) Website
Link	https://www.ccacoalition.org/en/slcps/black-carbon
Access	Online
Computer Skills	Basic

Classroom/Laboratory Activity: Black Carbon and Human Health

Posted by TROP ICSU: Climate Change Education across the Curriculaon December 6, 2021January 17, 2022in Chemistry

A classroom activity that discusses the impacts of black carbon emissions on human health. This activity by the Science Education Research Center at Carleton College (SERC Carleton) demonstrates how the burning of fossil fuels and biomass-based fuels results in black carbon emissions, contributes to global warming, and impacts human health in different parts of the world.

Students will be introduced to ‘black carbon’ and understand how it is generated from various household sources in developing countries. They will also be challenged to critically evaluate various health and environmental impacts of household fuels, and to come up with suitable solutions in response to this.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

Discuss the effect of black carbon on human health?

About the tool

Tool Name	Energy and the Poor- Black Carbon in the Developing Nations
Discipline	Chemistry
Topic(s) in Discipline	Carbon Chemistry, Allotropy, Allotropes of carbon, Black Carbon, Greenhouse Gas, Human Health
Climate Topic	Climate and the Atmosphere; Greenhouse Effect; Climate and Health
Type of tool	Classroom/Laboratory Activity
Grade Level	Undergraduate
Location	Global
Language	English
Translation
Developed by	Science Education Research Center at Carleton College
Hosted at	Science Education Research Center at Carleton College Website
Link	https://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/energy/activities/32421.html
Access	Online
Computer Skills	Basic

Reading: Black Carbon in the Atmosphere

Posted by TROP ICSU: Climate Change Education across the Curriculaon December 5, 2021January 17, 2022in Chemistry

A reading that describes the effects of black carbon on the atmosphere and the climate system. This reading by Carl Zimmer for the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies details the albedo effect of black carbon, how it affects cloud formation, and its warming and cooling effects of the Earth’s surface.

Students will learn that black carbon is potentially second only to carbon dioxide in its heat trapping power. They will also learn about how it affects the Earth’s climate system. Students will further understand the complexities of black carbon emissions and why only certain emissions cause an increase in Earth’s temperature.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

What is black carbon?
What are some of the effects of black carbon on clouds?
Discuss how the deposition of black carbon on ice caps affects the melting of ice?
Explain how black carbon can have a cooling or warming effect on the planet?

About the tool

Tool Name	Black Carbon and Warming: It’s Worse than We Thought
Discipline	Chemistry
Topic(s) in Discipline	Carbon Chemistry, Allotropy, Allotropes of carbon, Black Carbon, Greenhouse Gas
Climate Topic	Climate and the Atmosphere; Greenhouse Effect
Type of tool	Reading
Grade Level	High School, Undergraduate
Location	Global
Language	English
Translation
Developed by	Carl Zimmer, The New York Times
Hosted at	Yale Environment 360 (E360), Yale School of Environment, Website
Link	https://e360.yale.edu/features/carl_zimmer_black_carbon_and_global_warming_worse_than_thought
Access	Online
Computer Skills	Basic

Reading: The Carbon Dioxide Greenhouse Effect

Posted by TROP ICSU: Climate Change Education across the Curriculaon November 21, 2021January 12, 2022in Earth Sciences, Physics

A reading titled ‘The Carbon Dioxide Greenhouse Effect’ by Spencer Weart hosted on the website of Center for History of Physics, American Institute of Physics. This reading is a supplement to the book titled, ‘The Discovery of Global Warming’ by Spencer Weart. It includes discussions on the greenhouse effect of the atmosphere and how it impacts Earth’s temperature. The reading also discusses the pioneering work of Svante Arrhenius, Guy Stewart Callendar, and Charles David (Dave) Keeling.

Students will be introduced to the Greenhouse Effect, Keeling Curve, carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, and how increased carbon dioxide concentrations can cause an increase in the surface temperature of the Earth.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

What is the Greenhouse Effect?
How does increased carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere lead to warming of the planet?

About the Tool

Tool Name	The Carbon Dioxide Greenhouse Effect
Discipline	Physics, Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in Discipline	Greenhouse Effect, Greenhouse Gases, Keeling Curve
Climate Topic	Greenhouse Effect; Planetary Climate; Planetary Energy Balance
Type of tool	Reading
Grade Level	Middle School, Highschool
Location	Global
Language	English
Translation
Developed by	Spencer Weart
Hosted at	Center for History of Physics, American Institute of Physics
Link	Link
Access	Online/ Offline
Computer Skills	Basic

E-learning Course/ Reading: ‘The Discovery of Global Warming’

Posted by TROP ICSU: Climate Change Education across the Curriculaon November 11, 2021January 17, 2022in Earth Sciences, Geography, Physics

This E-learning course is a website of the Center for History of Physics, American Institute of Physics, created to supplement the book titled, ‘The Discovery of Global Warming” by Spencer Weart. The original book provides a history of scientific discovery into climate change as a single story. The website provides each chapter as a separate essay which is downloadable and is updated annually.

It consists of the following chapters that detail each topic under climate change:

Introduction and Summary
Influences on Climate
1. The Carbon Dioxide Greenhouse Effect
  1. Roger Revelle’s Discovery
2. Other Greenhouse Gases
3. Aerosols: Volcanoes, Dust, Clouds
4. Biosphere: How Life Alters Climate
5. Changing Sun, Changing Climate?
6. Ocean Currents and Climate
Climates Observed
1. The Modern Temperature Trend
2. Rapid Climate Change Abrupt climate change
  1. Uses of Radiocarbon Dating
3. Past Climate Cycles and Ice Ages
  1. Temperatures from Fossil Shells
Theory
1. Simple Models of Climate Change
  1. Chaos in the Atmosphere
  2. Venus & Mars
2. General Circulation Models of Climate
  1. Basic Radiation Calculations
  2. Arakawa’s Computation Device
Climate and Society
1. Impacts of Climate Change
  1. Ice Sheets, Rising Seas, Floods
2. The Public and Climate Change
  1. Wintry Doom
3. Government: The View from Washington
  1. Climate Modification Schemes
  2. Money for Keeling: Monitoring CO2 Levels
4. International Cooperation
  1. Climatology as a Profession
Conclusions: A Personal Note

Students will learn about climate change sciences and history from the time of Ancient Greeks to the modern period. They will be introduced to scientific methodologies used to prove how modern climate change is due to anthropogenic activities. Additionally, students will also be able to access all resources used to study about the scientific experiments for themselves.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

What is anthropogenic climate change?
Name some prominent climate change theories and how they were proven/disproven?
What are some of the simple climate change models that draw the connection between Earth’s Climate System and human activities?

About the Tool

Tool Name	The Discovery of Global Warming
Discipline	Physics, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geography
Topic(s) in Discipline	Climate Change, Global Warming, Climate Physics, Earth System, Climate System
Climate Topic	Introduction to Climate Change; Greenhouse Effect; Planetary Climate
Type of tool	E-learning Course; Reading
Grade Level	Middle School, High School
Location	Global
Language	English
Translation
Developed by	Spencer Weart
Hosted at	Center for History of Physics, American Institute of Physics
Link	Link
Access	Online/ Offline
Computer Skills	Basic

Video: COVID-19 and CO2 emissions

Posted by TROP ICSU: Climate Change Education across the Curriculaon October 12, 2021November 15, 2021in Economics, Environmental Sciences

A webinar by Carbon Brief on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The webinar includes discussions by the following climate scientist and analysts:

Corinne Le Quéré, University of East Anglia, presented that CO2 released due to human activities fell by seventeen percent by April, 2020. This temporarily brought down the emissions to the levels observed in the year 2006.
Richard Betts, University of Exeter, said that while the CO2 concentrations were only eleven percent of the expected emissions for 2020, they have continued to rise and accumulate in the atmosphere.
Lauri Myllyvirta, Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), discussed his research related to emissions in China and India during the pandemic.
Zeke Hausfather, director of Breakthrough Institute, discusses how 2019 might be the peak year for CO2 emissions.

Students will learn about the perspectives of various researchers and their interpretation of the CO2 concentrations recorded during the pandemic. They will also be introduced to various future predictions of emissions in different sectors, countries and under different policies.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

What is the overall global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the CO2 concentrations?
How does the change in CO2 concentrations impact climate change?

About the Tool

Tool Name	Webinar: What impact is Covid-19 having on global CO2 emissions?
Discipline	Environmental Science; Economics
Topic(s) in Discipline	Greenhouse Gas Emissions, CO2 emissions, COVID-19, Environmental Economics, Atmospheric CO2, Economic Policies, COVID-19 Pandemic and the Economy
Climate Topic	Greenhouse Effect; Energy, Economics and Climate Change
Type of tool	Video (66 mins)
Grade Level	Highschool, Undergraduate
Location	Global
Language	English
Translation
Developed by	Carbon Brief
Hosted at	Carbon Brief Website
Link	https://www.carbonbrief.org/webinar-what-impact-is-covid-19-having-on-global-co2-emissions?utm_source=Web&utm_medium=contentbox&utm_campaign=Covid-box
Access	Online
Computer Skills	Basic

Tag: Greenhouse Effect

Reading: Beer-Lambert Law

Classroom/Laboratory Activity: Black Carbon and Earth’s Albedo

Model/ Simulator: The Greenhouse Effect

Teaching Module: The Greenhouse Effect

Reading: Black Carbon – An Introduction

Classroom/Laboratory Activity: Black Carbon and Human Health

Reading: Black Carbon in the Atmosphere

Reading: The Carbon Dioxide Greenhouse Effect

E-learning Course/ Reading: ‘The Discovery of Global Warming’

Video: COVID-19 and CO2 emissions

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