Climate Change Chemistry 20

Description

Climate Changes: Chemistry 20 is a teacher’s resource that supports an examination of global climate change as part of the gravimetric stoichiometry unit in high school chemistry. It consists of three core activities and suggestions for extended learning designed to illustrate in concrete terms the connection between the combustion of fossil fuels and carbon dioxide emissions as well as the impact that science, technology and society all have on the issue of climate change.

In activity one students complete a stoichiometry problem exercise in which they compare the mass of carbon dioxide produced from the combustion of 1 kg each of methane, gasoline (octane) and coal.

Activity two has students brainstorm to identify specific examples of how science, technology, ecology, economics and politics influence carbon dioxide emissions, energy efficiency and global climate change.

In the third activity students must decide what steps need to be taken in each of the above dimensions to improve energy efficiency and describe the benefits of these efforts for society.

The extended learning suggestions encourage students to research the potential benefits of alternate energy sources, explore various careers in the energy sector and take individual action in support of energy conservation within their own community.

The resource includes reproducible student worksheets for each activity as well as a comprehensive list of web resources to support the extended learning section. Lesson plans and answer keys are also provided.

This resource provides teachers with an easy and effective tool to link chemistry with the important issue of climate change and to demonstrate the relevance of chemistry in addressing environmental concerns.

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General Assessment

Themes Addressed

Relevant Curriculum Units