Student Awareness on Global Warming Tina Tsantakis Education Fall 2008

Table of Contents Introduction - Statement of the Problem - Review of Related Literature - Statement of the Hypothesis

Statement of the Problem The purpose of this study is to investigate student awareness on global warming and to find out how much knowledge children have on global warming. Every year our earth is being effected by global warming and is creating a dangerous future for our children. Studies show that children have some awareness but do very little to help the earth. Technology and implementing a recycling program in classrooms are very useful tools that will help children become more aware and caring for the earth.

Review of Related Literature Global warming is a very serious issue and is effecting our planet. Noam Chomsky and Al Gore believe that global warming are major issues that we need to be more concerned with. George Bush pushes aside the issues of global warming. Pictures showing causes and effects of global warming on earth.

Literature Review Noam Chomsky believes global warming is a major issue and that it’s being ignored. Chomsky explains that Bush’s administration pushes aside scientific inquiry on global warming. He believes that we can possibly face catastrophic damage if global warming issues continue to be ignored. Chomsky emphasizes that the government needs to take action and acknowledge the potential harm that is facing us. Chomsky, N. (2005.) Intelligent design? Khaleej Times. Retrieved October 5, 2008, from

Literature Review Al Gore is very interested in saving our planet. He created a campaign to raise awareness and to address global warming issues. Al Gore is concerned about the climate change, rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the rising sea level. Al Gore states (2005), “We can't ignore it. We can't put our heads in the sand. We are witnessing a collision between our civilization and the Earth.” Vega, M. C. (2005). Warning from Gore on future S.F. speech focuses on global warming. Retrieved October 5, 2008, from bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/06/05/BAGROD3V5O1.DTL&type=printa ble

Literature Review Children in today’s world are spending much more time indoors than outdoors. When students are in class, usually they are not learning about the environment. When the children are at home, usually they watch TV, finish homework, play video games or use the computer. Children can help save the planet if they spend more time outdoors and learn to appreciate and care for the planet. Cleaver, S. (2007). Classrooms are going green: How green classrooms are reconnecting kids with nature. Instructor, (3)117, Global environmental problems are a result of careless use of natural resources and overpopulation. If global environmental problems are implemented into the curriculum, students will increase knowledge and will become more caring for the earth. Oluk, S., & Ozalp, I. (2007). The teaching of global environmental problems according to the constructivist approach: As a focal point of the problem and the availability of concept cartoons. Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice, (7)2,

Literature Review There are many factors effecting global warming and one major reason are the greenhouse gases. The main natural greenhouse gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. There has been an increase in greenhouse gases due to human activities and has started effecting the earth since the 1700’s. Burning forests down, fossil fuels burning, decaying rubbish are all enhancing the greenhouse gases. As a result, we have seen dramatic changes in global temperature, precipitation, sea level and weather extremes. Saunders, M. A. (1999). Earth’s future climate. Philosophical Transactions: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, (357)1763, Computers and technology are popular and are a part of new instructional methodologies used in today’s classrooms. Children can explore and research on the internet to find out more on global warming. The students can research and find out ways to help save our planet. The negative effect of using computers in the classroom is when children are taken away from group activities and focus on their computers instead of the lesson or assignment the other students are involved in.

Literature Review Recycling is expanding in schools and neighborhoods. Students are starting to separate their trash and send bottles, cans, newspapers, and yard waste to recycling centers. Adler, H. J. (1992). Little green lies. The environmental miseducation of America’s children. Policy Review, 61, Recycling is a fairly new methodology being introduced into classrooms. This year the school I work in started a recycling program. Recycling is an important key to saving our planet and needs to become more widespread. The negative effect of a recycling program is infestation. If recyclable products are not disposed quickly, it can create a very unwelcoming and hazardous environment.

Statement of the Hypothesis H1: Integrating technology and recycling programs in classrooms will increase student awareness on global warming and will therefore help save our planet. H2: Not integrating technology or recycling programs into classrooms will cause further damage to our planet and will steer children away from the environmental issues that face them in the future.

Causes of global warming Effects of global warming