Description:
Greenhouse gases are those that prevent the radiant energy of Earth from escaping our atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is needed for life here on Earth, but it is one of those gases labeled as causing the greenhouse effect. Usually the carbon dioxide given off in respiration and the carbon dioxide used by photosynthesis are in balance, but extensive burning of fossil fuels is causing an increase in the release of carbon dioxide.

Students observe the effect of the gases resulting from a burned fossil fuel on the heat absorption of air. Students will determine the ability of phytoplankton to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere

This activity is part of a series called, "Effects of Phytoplankton on Water and Air." Complete list of activity titles in the series:

Secret Agents of Dissolved Oxygen
Carbon Dioxide: The Heat is On
Smog Be Gone

It appears advisable to conduct these activities in sequence. All of them can be found at: http://tea.rice.edu/tea_classroommaterials.html

This activity is under development. Teachers can participate in the review process by going to the activity site on the Internet (see URL above). Scroll down to, "We look forward to hearing from you! Please review this activity" and click on that sentence.

Organization:
Teachers Experiencing Antarctica and the Arctic
Funded by the National Science Foundation

URL:
http://tea.rice.edu/activity/tea_activity_smog_be_gone.html

Contact:
Email: glacier@tea.rice.edu; http://tea.rice.edu/

Cost:
Free over the Internet

Education Level:
Grades 9-12

Subject:
Atmosphere
Carbon Dioxide
Chemistry
Greenhouse Effect

Resource Type:
Internet Site
Curriculum/Instructional Materials
 
 

Date Added to teachearth.com:
5/1/00