What is the fate of CO2 produced by fossil fuel combustion?
http://serc.carleton.edu/quantskills/activities/ffco2.html
http://serc.carleton.edu/quantskills/activities/ffco2.html
Paul Quay, University of Washington. This activity is hosted by the Science Education Resource Center (SERC) at Carleton College
Activity takes 1 to 2 weeks depending on other class responsibilities. Computer with Excel software required.
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Topics
Grade Level
Climate Literacy
About Teaching Climate Literacy
Cli 
Climate is regulated by complex interactions among components of the Earth system
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Observations, experiments, and theory are used to construct and refine computer models that represent the climate system and make predictions about its future behavior. Results from these models lead to better understanding of the linkages between the atmosphere-ocean system and climate conditions and inspire more observations and experiments. Over time, this iterative process will result in more reliable projections of future climate conditions.
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Emissions from the widespread burning of fossil fuels since the start of the Industrial Revolution have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Because these gases can remain in the atmosphere for hundreds of years before being removed by natural processes, their warming influence is projected to persist into the next century.
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Excellence in Environmental Education Guidelines
1. Questioning, Analysis and Interpretation Skills:G) Drawing conclusions and developing explanations
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G) Drawing conclusions and developing explanations.
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G) Drawing conclusions and developing explanations.
1. Questioning, Analysis and Interpretation Skills:C) Collecting information
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C) Collecting information.
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C) Collecting information.
1. Questioning, Analysis and Interpretation Skills:E) Organizing information
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E) Organizing information.
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E) Organizing information.
1. Questioning, Analysis and Interpretation Skills:F) Working with models and simulations
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F) Working with models and simulations.
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F) Working with models and simulations.
2. Knowledge of Environmental Processes and Systems:2.1 The Earth as a Physical System:A) Processes that shape the Earth
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A) Processes that shape the Earth.
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A) Processes that shape the Earth.
2. Knowledge of Environmental Processes and Systems:2.4 Environment and Society:A) Human/environment interactions
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A) Human/environment interactions.
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A) Human/environment interactions.
2. Knowledge of Environmental Processes and Systems:2.4 Environment and Society:E) Environmental Issues
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E) Environmental Issues.
Other materials addressing:
E) Environmental Issues.
Benchmarks for Science Literacy
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The earth's climates have changed in the past, are currently changing, and are expected to change in the future, primarily due to changes in the amount of light reaching places on the earth and the composition of the atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels in the last century has increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which has contributed to Earth's warming.
Computer modeling explores the logical consequences of a set of instructions and a set of data. The instructions and data input of a computer model try to represent the real world so the computer can show what would actually happen. In this way, computers assist people in making decisions by simulating the consequences of different possible decisions.
Notes From Our Reviewers
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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy |
Technical Details
Teaching Tips
- The reference is no longer available at the URL given in the resource. It can be found by a search on the Physics Today website or at this URL: http://www.gfdl.noaa.gov/bibliography/related_files/jls0202.pdf
- Discussion of carbon isotopes and how we know, by comparing carbon isotope ratios, that recent increases in CO2 in the atmosphere is from the burning of fossil fuels: http://www.realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2004/12/how-do-we-know-that-recent-cosub2sub-increases-are-due-to-human-activities-updated/
About the Science
- In this exercise, students construct a simple ‘box model’ of Earth’s carbon cycle to determine the fate of fossil fuel-derived CO2.
- The models simulate the exchange of CO2 between Earth’s major carbon reservoirs (i.e., the atmosphere, ocean and terrestrial biosphere) that are exchanging carbon on time scales relevant to anthropogenic activity.
- In doing this, students reproduce the basic argument for the human origin of the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- The dataset used this exercise was revised in 2009 to include carbon dioxide emissions for 1751-2006.
- These new data can be used without changes to the instructions.
- Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
About the Pedagogy
- Background material and activity handout are included with extensive instructions that guide students through several modeling exercises.
- Questions are included to help them reflect on what they have done.
- While the process is directive and step-by-step, it can help set the stage for inquiry-based discussions.
- This resource engages students in using scientific data.
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Technical Details/Ease of Use
- The instructions are thorough and complete. Students should be able to complete the exercise mostly on their own.
- Student handout should be sufficient for instructors to develop an answer key.
- Instructors can use Excel or Matlab, but students should have some background in whichever program they use.
Related URLs These related sites were noted by our reviewers but have not been reviewed by CLEAN
NOAA CarbonTracker: http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/ccgg/carbontracker/Have you used these materials with your students? Do you have insights to share with other educators about their use? Please share with the community by adding a comment below.
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