Electronic Visualization
Global Warming

Lesson Two
The Greenhouse Effect Debate

  • Brief Description
  • Objectives
  • Materials and Resources
  • Activity Description
  • Internet Resources

  • Brief Description

        Students gather information about the Greenhouse Effect and participate in a debate about the merits of this theory on both sides. Students learn about the Greenhouse Effect, and its possible long-term effects, from a variety of resources. On-line and printed resources can be used to study the Greenhouse Effect. While scientists argue about whether the Greenhouse Effect is something we should worry about, politicians and environmentalists are arguing about how (or whether) we should "fix" the problem. This lesson focuses on the international debate over the Greenhouse Effect, possible causes for it, whether we should be concerned and take action to reduce the Greenhouse Effect, or whether there is no problem to be worried about. Up to Contents of this

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    Objectives

    Students will:

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    Materials and Resources

        In developing our lessons and activities, we made some assumptions about the hardware and software that would be available in the classroom for teachers who visit the LETSNet Website. We assume that teachers using our Internet-based lessons or activities have a computer (PC or Macintosh) with the necessary hardware components (mouse, keyboard, and monitor) as well as software (operating system, TCP/IP software, networking or dial-up software, e-mail and a World Wide Web client program, preferably Netscape, but perhaps Mosaic or Lynx). In the section below, we specify any "special" hardware or software requirements for a lesson or activity (in addition to those described above) and the level of Internet access required to do the activity.

    1. Special hardware requirements: None.
    2. Special software requirements: None.
    3. Internet access: Medium-speed (28,000 BPS via modem) or High-speed (greater than 1 MBPS via network).
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    Activity Description

        Students work in small groups collecting information on the Greenhouse Effect, and evidence for and against the possibility this phenomena exists. They visit the available Websites (see Internet Resources below) collecting evidence that supports or refutes the Greenhouse Effect. This is followed by a debate about whether the earth is in fact warming up due to the Greenhouse Effect. Students use the data they have collected to support their positions. Following this discussion, the focus shifts to political and environmental policies that might exacerbate the Greenhouse Effect, and a whole-class discussion of the possible impact of the Greenhouse Effect.

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    Internet Resources

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    Back to Global Warming Unit


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