Biology
You get to learn about erosion, water conservation, and the use of solar power. Put that knowledge to good use by performing experiments to investigate the greenhouse effect and by designing a solar-powered car.
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After completing this tutorial, you will be able to complete the following:
What significant change occurred to the global atmosphere over the course of the twentieth century?
~ During the course of the twentieth century, the average temperature of the global atmosphere increased by about 1.08° F.
What caused this change?
~ During this time, our use of fossil fuels, refrigerators, air conditioners, and aerosols increased significantly. As a result, there was a significant increase in the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Since these gases make it harder for Earth to reflect radiation back into space, the heat from this radiation was retained and the temperature of the atmosphere increased.
What effect has this phenomenon had on the polar ice shelves?
~ As a result of global warming, the polar ice shelves have begun to melt and break apart.
What future consequences might this phenomenon have?
~ Scientists predict that as the ice shelves continue to melt, widespread flooding will occur and the biodiversity of various environments could be severely altered.
| Approximate Time | 2 Minutes |
| Pre-requisite Concepts | Students should have an intellectual grasp on the following terms: air pollution, global warming, and greenhouse gases. |
| Course | Biology |
| Type of Tutorial | Animation |
| Key Vocabulary | air pollution, global warming, greenhouse gases |
