Slowing Down an Amplifying Greenhouse Effect Lab

• In this two-part lab, students will learn about the pros and cons of technologies designed to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. 
• Topics covered in this lab include using algae as fuel for vehicles and various types of carbon capture or carbon sequestration technologies.
  

Positives:

• The infographics are colorful and detailed.
• There are a number of optional extensions provided to extend the lab.
  

Additional Prerequisites:

• Access to the Internet is required for this activity.
• Teachers must sign in to access the key.
  

Differentiation:

• Consider assigning some of the videos as homework and then have students work in pairs or groups to discuss the questions.
• This lab can be used by Engineering classes as an example of technological solutions that can help with a global problem. Consider having students research the carbon-infused cement or algae-based fuels.
• Science students can research the risks associated with pumping CO₂ into the soil to see if they are similar to the risks of fracking, such as more earthquakes or groundwater contamination.
• Have students design an energy-neutral and ecosystem-friendly means of growing/harvesting algae to use for an alternative fuel.
• Students can compare the solutions presented to their ranking of solutions on the interactive Project Drawdown table of solutions.