Week 15: Climate Science

 

1. The big question addressed in lab, and a description of what you did.
1. We started out lab by discussing CO2 levels. One thing I found interesting was discussing how much carbon dioxide in the room. Students task orientation, initiative, basic strategy, and more go down when the CO2 level is over 2,500ppm. Take the kids outside, less CO2. We then discussed the snowball earth and how it would thaw. We discussed that volcanic activity causes CO2 to be released which causes the earth to get warmer. We then discussed what we personally can do to help with climate change. We can recycle correctly, compost, weatherize your apartment, bikes and busses, and more! Climate change is something that we can fix.
2. A description of what you learned in Thursday's lecture.
1. In lecture we took the final exam.
3. Answer questions about the weekly textbook reading:
   1. What did you learn?
   1. Earth’s climate has always fluctuated; the difference now is that Earth is experiencing significant climate change in a much shorter time period–decades rather than millions of years. Climate change is human caused because since the industrial revolution, humans have relied more and more on fossil fuels which release greenhouse gases. We are close to reaching a tipping point of no return. Climate change leads to an increase frequency and intensity of temperature. Melting sea ice affects the entire planet, not just the Arctic. Glaciers are retreating at a quick rate. The main cause of the sea level rise is thermal expansion. Another cause is ice melt from land. As the climate changes, the balance of many ecosystems are disrupted, including coral reefs. 
   2. What was most helpful?
   1. The pictures and videos helped me take a clear understanding.
   3. What do you need more information on?
   1. I could use more information about fossil fuels to greenhouse gasses.
   4. What questions/concerns/comments do you have?
   1. I don't have any questions at this time.