Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Greenhouse Effect and Human Action

Objectives

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

This stage is fundamental for students to understand the concept of the greenhouse effect, its natural and anthropogenic causes, as well as its global consequences. The development of practical skills, such as critical analysis and cooperation, is essential to prepare students for future challenges, both academic and professional. The connection with the job market arises from the relevance of the topic in the fields of environmental science, engineering, and public policy, where a deep understanding of this phenomenon is crucial.

Main Objectives

1. Understand the concept of the greenhouse effect and its importance for life on Earth.

2. Identify the main sources of greenhouse gases resulting from human actions.

3. Analyze the consequences of the increase in the greenhouse effect due to human activities.

Side Objectives

1. Develop critical thinking skills when evaluating different sources of information about the greenhouse effect.
2. Foster teamwork skills through collaborative activities.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

This stage aims to contextualize students about the importance of the greenhouse effect and the consequences of its changes due to human actions. It also seeks to connect the topic with professional areas, igniting students' interest through interactive and reflective activities.

Contextualization

Imagine waking up on a summer day when temperatures are so high that it becomes difficult to breathe. This extreme scenario can become a reality if we do not understand and act on the greenhouse effect, a natural phenomenon that is being amplified by human activities. The greenhouse effect is essential for keeping the Earth warm, but the excessive increase of gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) is causing the planet to overheat, resulting in drastic climate changes.

Curiosities and Market Connection

Curiosities: Did you know that the carbon dioxide released by a single car in one year can be enough to fill a balloon 1.5 meters in diameter? The greenhouse effect was first described by French scientist Joseph Fourier in 1824.

Market Connection: Environmental Engineering: Professionals in this area work to develop technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Public Policy: Specialists create and implement laws and regulations to control pollutant emissions. Energy Companies: Invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to decrease reliance on fossil fuels.

Initial Activity

Show a short video (3-4 minutes) that illustrates the greenhouse effect in action and its consequences, such as the melting of polar ice caps and rising sea levels. Provocative question: 'What do you think would happen to our daily lives if the average temperature of the Earth increased by 2°C in the coming years?'

Development

Duration: (40 - 45 minutes)

This stage aims to deepen students' understanding of the greenhouse effect and its relation to human activities. Through practical activities and reflections, students develop critical and practical skills relevant to the job market, especially in areas related to environmental science and sustainability.

Covered Topics

1. Concept of the greenhouse effect
2. Natural functioning of the greenhouse effect
3. Sources of greenhouse gases caused by human activities
4. Consequences of the increase in the greenhouse effect
5. Solutions and technologies to mitigate the greenhouse effect

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on how their daily activities, such as using transportation and consuming energy, may contribute to the increase of the greenhouse effect. Ask: 'What changes in our daily routines could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions?'

Mini Challenge

Mini Challenge: Building a Mini Greenhouse

Students will build a mini greenhouse using simple materials to visualize the greenhouse effect in action.

Instructions

1. Divide the class into groups of 4-5 students.
2. Provide the following materials for each group: 1 cut plastic bottle, an aluminum tray, soil, bean seeds, clear plastic, tape, and a thermometer.
3. Ask students to fill the aluminum tray with soil and plant the bean seeds.
4. Cover the tray with the top half of the plastic bottle to create a greenhouse, and seal it with tape.
5. Cover the greenhouse with clear plastic and secure it with tape.
6. Place a thermometer inside the greenhouse to monitor the temperature.
7. Ask students to observe and record the temperature inside and outside the greenhouse every 10 minutes for a period of 30 minutes.

Objective: Demonstrate how the greenhouse effect works and allow students to visualize the temperature difference inside and outside the greenhouse.

Duration: (30 - 35 minutes)

Evaluation Exercises

1. Describe what the greenhouse effect is and how it occurs naturally.
2. List three sources of greenhouse gases caused by human activities.
3. Explain the consequences of the increase in the greenhouse effect for the planet.
4. Suggest two actions that can be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate students' learning, ensuring that they understand the importance of the greenhouse effect and the consequences of human actions. Through reviewing the content, discussion, and reflection, the goal is to reinforce the connection between theory and practice, preparing students to apply the knowledge acquired in real-world situations and the job market.

Discussion

Guide students to share their observations and conclusions about the practical activity of building the mini greenhouse. Ask: 'What did you notice about the temperature difference inside and outside the mini greenhouse?' and 'How does this relate to the global greenhouse effect?'. Facilitate a discussion about how human activities, such as the use of fossil fuels, can increase this temperature difference on a global scale. Encourage students to reflect on how their daily actions can contribute to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and discuss possible solutions and technologies that could be implemented in the future.

Summary

Summarize the main points covered during the lesson, highlighting the concept of the greenhouse effect, its natural functioning, the sources of greenhouse gases caused by human activities, and the consequences of the increase of this effect. Reinforce how the practical activity helped to visualize these concepts and the importance of applying this knowledge in real situations.

Closing

Explain how the lesson connected theory to practice through the construction of the mini greenhouse and observation of temperature changes. Emphasize the relevance of the greenhouse effect and human actions in the context of climate change and the importance of adopting sustainable practices in daily life. Conclude the lesson by stressing the importance of the topic for everyday life and the need for everyone to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.