Global Warming. Program Support Notes. You Can Make a Difference. Grades 8 - College. 27mins. Geography. VEA Bringing Learning to Life.

Transcription

1 VEA Bringing Learning to Life Program Support Notes Grades 8 - College Global Warming You Can Make a Difference 27mins Teacher Notes by Matthew Peacock, B.Ed. Produced by VEA Pty Ltd Commissioning Editor Lisa Tancredi B.A. Dip.Ed. Executive Producer Mark McAuliffe Dip.Art (Film & TV) Dip.Ed. B.Ed. Ph.D. Video Education America Suitable for: Geography To order or inquire please contact VEA: America Phone: Facsimile: vea@veavideo.com Website WARNING This program is protected by copyright laws worldwide. Unauthorized copying, in whole or part, in any format, can result in substantial penalties for both individuals and institutions. These notes can be freely copied for classroom use only.

2 For Teachers: Introduction Global warming is a topic that concerns us all. Our appetite for the earth s resources and consumer goods has led to increased levels of carbon entering our atmosphere and trapping the heat from the sun. If this is allowed to continue a multitude of problems will result. This program is aimed at Year 7 to 8 students and looks at the causes of global warming and its likely impacts. It focuses on what can be done to reduce the impacts of our atmosphere heating up. The program examines what is being done at the international level as well as the local level. It asks and answers important questions such as - What can you do to reduce global warming? DVD Timeline 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:14 What is global warming? 00:04:15 Summary 00:04:59 Consequences of global warming 00:09:52 Summary 00:10:38 Action at the international level 00:15:41 Summary Action at the local level: 00:16:27 A case study 00:20:37 Summary 00:21:19 How can I make a difference? 00:25:51 Summary 00:26:34 Credits 00:27:16 End program

3 Student Worksheet: Before Viewing the Program 1. Hold a general class discussion on the causes and possible effects of global warming. 2. Examine your classroom and write down how much energy is being used. 3. Think about how much energy you have used today in getting ready for, getting to and your day at school. Write down some examples of the energy you have used, and then think about how much of that was contributing to global warming. For example, was your shower using hot water created from solar power or electricity?

4 While Viewing the Program 1. What evidence is there that global warming is increasing? 2. Explain what is meant by the phrase, The earth s atmosphere acts like a blanket. 3. What are the main causes of global warming? 4. Lists the gases that cause global warming. 5. How will global warming cause the sea levels to rise? 6. Why are some of the small island countries such as Tuvalu and Kiribati particularly concerned about the effects of global warming?

5 7. What is a climate refugee? 8. Which parts of the world are the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases? Why? 9. What are the aims of The Kyoto Protocol? 10. Which 2 industrialized nations did not sign the Kyoto Protocol? 11. List some examples of renewable energy. 12. What are the aims of CERES Environmental Park? 13. What can individuals do to reduce global warming?

6 14. How does agriculture contribute to global warming?

7 After Viewing the Program 1. Draw a diagram that shows how global warming is caused by a greenhouse effect. 2. Some scientists do not believe global warming is occurring. Conduct your own research into some of the arguments put forward by those who do not agree global warming is happening and present them in a table. 3. Australia has been criticized for not signing the Kyoto Protocol. Research why Australia did not sign this document and present your research as a table showing reasons for and against Kyoto Protocol. 4. Hold a mock forum discussing the impacts of global warming. Characters could include: The Prime Minister of Australia, the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, member of Greenpeace, a coal miner, a forestry worker, scientists, inventors, etc. 5. There are many forms of renewable energy that could replace fossil fuels. Write a brief report on a form of renewable energy. In your report explain how this form of energy works and its benefits to the environment. 6. Home Activity. At a time agreed to by all members of the class (7-8pm) complete a survey on electricity use in your home in that time. Write down how many electrical appliances are being used. Present your findings in a chart and rank the uses in order of importance. For example any lights left on in rooms not being used would be at the bottom of the list, using the oven to cook dinner may be at the top of the list. 7. Ways of saving energy. Use the chart you created in the previous activity to examine ways to reduce energy use in your home. For example, turning off lights that are not needed, using energy saving light bulbs, reducing the time pool filters running etc.