American Museum of Natural History: High School
Grade Levels: Intended
for 10th or 11th grade Chemistry students.
Learning Standard:
Standard 4, using concepts of density and heat energy to
explain observations of weather patterns, and the movements of the
Earth’s plates. Also
incorporating Standard 7, requiring students to use acquired knowledge for
purposes of postvisit assignments.
Time Requirements:
Approximately 2 hours Preparation Time and 1 hour Class
Time.
Topics Covered by This Lesson:
Global warming via greenhouse gases.
The movement of energy and materials around the
planet’s surface and the implications of such movements.
The central role of radioactive decay in the movement of the
Earth’s plates.
PreVisit:
Purpose: Preparation of students for an
afternoon of focused exploration and subsequent learning.
Objectives: Discussions of 1) the role of energy in
climate and climate change 2) plate tectonics and the chemistry of radioactive
decay 3) the implications and causes of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
These discussion topics and suggested website research related to topics
(www.amnh.org/rose/hope)
are intended to enhance the students’ learning experience.
Materials Required: 1) PC with internet
capabilities 2) information booklet provided by the museum
Student Learning Prerequisites:
General concepts of density, energy movement, atmospheric gases (such as
carbon dioxide), and radioactive decay.
Visit:
Students are expected to explore the various exhibits
relating to plate tectonics and the causes of climate and climate change, while
identifying the role of chemistry and chemistry concepts, and answering
specific questions provided on worksheets. Students are also encouraged to visit other displays that
attract their interest.
Post Visit:
1) Students
will be required to bring home their recorded findings/observations and prepare
them for informal presentation during a postvisit classroom discussion.
2) Students are also expected to expound upon one particular
point of interest, discussing future ramifications and/or possible ways of
controlling unwanted effects (i.e. earthquakes, global warming, destructive
weather phenomena, etc.)
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