How have the amounts of gases from burning fuels changed in the atmosphere, and how do they affect temperature?

The main role of this lesson is to (1) establish that gases from burning fossil fuels are increasing in the atmosphere beyond normal limits and (2) explain the causal relationship between greenhouse gases and air temperature.

What We Do: 

• Explore CO2 & CH4 data recorded at several locations.

• Examine historical climate records.

• Use interactives to gather evidence on greenhouse gases and temperature change.

• Update the class model to explain the causal mechanisms between GHGs and temperature. 

• Reflect on terms we’ve heard about.

What We Figure Out:

• Amounts of CO2 and CH4 are increasing in the atmosphere beyond their historical normal limits.

• GHGs radiate energy back into our atmosphere, which affects the temperature. 

• More GHGs means more energy in the atmosphere, increasing temperature.