The fact that humans have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is not disputed, however there are many schools of thought as to the cause of the current trend of global temperature increase. There is much debate as to whether or not increased levels of greenhouse gases have caused the current trend and whether or not increased greenhouse gas concentrations will result in changes to global temperatures and therefore global climate. This activity allows students to look at different views of scientists and to consider the evidence for and against global warming due to human influences. Students are to collect their own articles on the enhanced greenhouse effect. Students can develop their internet search skills to find relevant information available at various sites.
Students read and write a short abstract of their article.
Students form groups of four and discuss the content of their article within the group. As a class, students discuss the findings of the articles that they have read. The information presented in each article can be collated on the blackboard or on an overhead transparency to get an overall picture of scientific thinking on the issue. Students examine the different scientific viewpoints of the articles they have collated and discuss what they believe is going to happen to the global climate. Gathering information about student learning Sources of information could include anecdotal records of student contributions to discussion.