Global Warming
Recommended for grades 9–12.
Introduction
Global warming is an environmental science topic of much concern. The average surface temperature the Earth increased by 0.6ºC during the 20th century, with the increase occurring mainly from 1910 to 1945 and 1976 to 2000. The 1990s was the warmest decade, and 1998 was the warmest year of the century and on record. Growing scientific consensus attributes this global warming to the enhanced greenhouse effect. In this experiment you and your classmates will investigate the greenhouse effect and the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Objectives
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Temperature Probe and learn technique that can be used in your subsequent research.
After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about global warming, the greenhouse effect, and the enhanced greenhouse effect before you choose and investigate a researchable question.
Sensors and Equipment
This investigation requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for the Preliminary Activity
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the Preliminary Activity does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
See all standards correlations for Investigating Environmental Science through Inquiry »
Experiment 20 from Investigating Environmental Science through Inquiry Lab Book
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.