 Earth Week 2009 The Climate Crisis: A Focus on Energy Mr. Weaver

Objectives The student will be able to:  Explain the phenomenon of “the greenhouse effect” and describe how human activity has unnaturally altered this process;  Cite evidence supporting the theory that human activity significantly contributes to global warming and analyze the validity of this evidence;  Describe how global warming is changing the planet and explain the disastrous consequences of not halting the process.  Analyze his/her lifestyle and create a plan for reducing his/her energy consumption.

Agenda 1. Global Warming Pre-Test 2. Warm-up Activity – considering your impact 3. “Global Warming 101” video 4. Closure 5. Begin homework

Before We Begin…  Please complete the Earth Week Pre-Test  Just go with your first thought for each question.  Do not spend more than a few seconds on any one question.  When you are finished, please turn your paper over.

Hand in Your Pre-Test  Throughout the unit, we will address each topic covered on this pre-test.  Follow the unit notes/outline as we encounter each topic.

Close Your Eyes…  Close your eyes and think about your daily routines, about how you live your life.  Breathing, eating, driving/taking the bus to school, listening to your iPod, doing school work, reading books, etc.  Your possessions  Shoes, clothes, car, computer, bed, cell phone, jewelry, etc.

Have You Ever Considered…  Have you ever considered what natural resources you consume on a daily basis?  What materials do you take from the Earth just to survive?  How does your very existence impact the environment?

Human Impact on the Earth  Throughout this unit, we will focus on this question of how human activity affects the environment.  We will primarily focus on energy usage and how it contributes to climate change.  The big question : How can we lessen our impact on the environment so we can indefinitely sustain life on planet Earth?

Global Warming 101  The following video from National Geographic briefly introduces the scientific phenomenon of “global warming” and provides data supporting the idea that human activity is a major contributor to it.  Disastrous consequences if we do not change our way of life  Unit study guide/outline  Click here for video Click here for video

Closure  In your own words, explain “the greenhouse effect”  Describe how human activity has unnaturally altered this process.  Cite evidence supporting the theory that human activity significantly contributes to global warming.  Assess the validity of this evidence

Closure (Slide 2)  Describe how the planet will change if global warming continues to accelerate.  Consequences on living beings?  Analyze your lifestyle and identify a few changes you would make to decrease your energy consumption.  How would the planet benefit if everyone made these changes?

Tonight’s Assignment  For homework, please collect the following information from your parents:  Approximate size of your home (in square feet)  Type of energy you use to heat your house  Energy saving features in house (Energy Star appliances, storm windows, insulation, water saving features, etc.)  Miles traveled in a year by car, bus, train, plane  Where your family gets groceries and whether they buy organic