Module 5: Greenhouse Gasses
Summary of Pacing Guide:
Day 1: Introduction to Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases, Carbon Footprint activity, preview of model.
Day 2: Use StarLogo Nova Greenhouse Gas base model, modify albedo variable and run experiments.
Day 3: Add carbon dioxide to model and run experiments.
Day 4: Design and develop a customized Greenhouse Gas model.
Unit Overview - (see attached document below)
For more details on each lesson, see Progress Monitor and Pacing Guide
Lesson 1:
Daisy World uses a feedback loops activity, a video, and a StarLogo model to explore the concepts of feedback loops in natural systems and of the Albedo effect. This activity was developed as part of the Project GUTS after-school unit on Climate Change and Agriculture, but can demonstrate these concepts in other contexts.
Sustainability can be defined as ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’ Using this definition, students will explore ideas that can make their own community more sustainable, including choices as consumers as well as what to do with the waste. It asks students to explore issues such as using algae to make a biofuel, as well as renewable forms of energy like photovoltaics.
This unit was developed for Project GUTS after-school clubs, using StarLogo Nova. It follows a 4-week introduction to basic programming and to concepts of complex adaptive systems.