Contextualization

Greenhouse Effect and Human Action is a study topic that leads us to think about human actions and their implications for Earth, our home. The Greenhouse Effect is a natural phenomenon, essential for the maintenance and development of life on our planet. It occurs when part of the solar radiation reflected by the Earth's surface is absorbed by certain gases present in the atmosphere, heating it. The 'problem' is not the Greenhouse Effect itself, but rather its aggravation by human actions.

The Greenhouse Effect has been intensified by the excessive emission of gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrogen oxides (NxO), which are mainly released by the burning of fossil fuels and agricultural activities. This increase in the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere has led to a rise in global temperature, a phenomenon known as Global Warming, which can have serious consequences for life on Earth.

Introduction

Our planet harbors an incalculable diversity of life, and all living beings, from the smallest microorganism to the largest mammal, depend directly or indirectly on Earth's climatic balance. The study of the Greenhouse Effect helps us understand the importance of this balance and how our actions can threaten it.

The Greenhouse Effect, in its natural occurrence, is fundamental for life. However, human interference has significantly altered this phenomenon. It is estimated that the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are the highest in the last 800,000 years, and human actions are the main driver of this rapid increase.

As citizens and future leaders, you, students, have the responsibility to understand these issues in order to make informed decisions and collaborate for a sustainable future. In this project, you will explore the Greenhouse Effect, the human actions that have intensified this phenomenon, and what we can do to mitigate its effects.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: 'Recreating the Greenhouse Effect and Understanding Human Impact'

Project Objective:

• Understand what the greenhouse effect is and how it naturally works.
• Identify and discuss human actions that cause an artificial increase in the greenhouse effect.
• Encourage time management, communication, problem-solving, creative thinking, proactivity, and teamwork skills.

Detailed Project Description:

Groups of 3 to 5 students will create a simplified version of the greenhouse effect using common materials. They will also research and present, through a written report and a presentation, the human actions that intensify the greenhouse effect, their consequences, and possible solutions.

Students should plan and execute the experiment, researching and studying the necessary material, and writing a report on the entire process and their findings.

Required Materials:

• 2 transparent glass bottles with cork
• 2 thermometers
• Adhesive tape
• Incandescent lamp
• Folder or cardboard
• Computer with internet access for research
• Writing material for the report

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution:

1. Each group must attach the two thermometers to the glass bottles, ensuring they do not touch the surface of the bottle, using adhesive tape to secure them.
2. Place the two bottles under the incandescent lamp at an equal distance.
3. In one of the bottles, insert the cork to simulate the accumulation of greenhouse gases.
4. Turn on the lamp and record the temperature of each bottle every 10 minutes for 40 minutes.
5. After simulating the greenhouse effect, each group should research the main human actions that intensify the greenhouse effect, discuss the consequences, and propose possible solutions.
6. Using the folder or cardboard, create an infographic to highlight your main findings. This infographic should be presented to the class.
7. Write a detailed report on the project, following the guidelines below.

Project Deliverables:

1. Written Document

   • Introduction: Contextualize the theme, its relevance, and real-world application as well as the objective of this project.
   • Development: Describe the experiment, explaining the greenhouse effect, the human actions that intensify the greenhouse effect, and the observed results. Include a discussion of the results and the methodology used.
   • Conclusion: Conclude the work by summarizing its main points, explaining the learnings obtained, and drawing conclusions about the project.
   • Bibliography: Indicate the sources on which you based your project work such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

2. Infographic

   • Must be visually appealing and present the main discoveries and insights from the group's research.

3. Presentation

   • Each group must present their findings, showing the infographic and explaining the experiment and its conclusions.