The greenhouse effect in relation to CO 2 emission caused by traffic September – October 2009 CREATING SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS

Phase One: Finding out what the students know about the greenhouse effect. Students were invited to give their opinions on what the greenhouse effect is. Teachers pointed out the statements that were most accurate. The children were then asked to think about those human actions which contribute most to the greenhouse effect. Teachers told their students that they were going to participate in a project aimed at emphasizing the importance of a reasonable choice of means of transport. Children undertook two major activities.

Phase Two: The Activities The first activity: 1.Establishing the level of students contribution to harmful emissions from traffic. Children measured traffic intensity in the rush hour on the busy road running next to their school.

Children measured their daily distance to school. In class, with the use of appropriate tables, children measured: The annual distance to school covered by: each of the students. each of the classes. The annual amount of CO 2 emitted by: each of the students. each of the classes.

Diagrams that show what means of transport is used by students in each class

2. Discussion: What measures can we take to reduce emissions of CO 2 from traffic? The teachers directed students’ attention to the „reality of the numbers” indicating the level of CO 2 emitted on their way to school and invited them to discuss the following subjects: Why should we use public transport? How can we use our cars more effectively? What can an individual do to reduce harmful emissions? What can a group of people do to reduce harmful emissions?

The second activity: 1.Discussion: Fossil fuels vs. renewable fuels. Children learnt about the cardinal difference between the two types of fuels in relation to the greenhouse effect. Children gave examples of renewable fuels and its sources. 2.Projects: History of Transport and The Vehicles of The Future. Children made a poster presenting a short history of transport - written in English so as to practise past simple tense. In groups, students made projects of The Vehicle of The Future with the description of the kind of renewable fuel it would consume. The projects were displayed on the exhibition in the school hall and the best works were chosen and their authors rewarded.