GCC Team Project- Emission Scenarios- Interpretation and Resources

Session 4 – Scenario Interpretation and Resources:

• What key uncertainties (climate forcings and feedbacks) would exist for this scenario?
• What economic, social, environmental, and/or technological changes would have to take place in order for this scenario to be feasible over the next 100 years?
• What resources have you discovered that would assist you in teaching about this scenario in your classroom?

B1 emission scenario- for reference by Michelle Serger - Saturday, 19 November 2011, 08:48 AM

B1 The B1 scenario describes a world that emphasizes global solutions to economic, social, and environmental sustainability characterized by: Rapid economic growth as in A1, but with rapid changes towards a service and information economy. Population rising to 9 billion in 2050 and then declining (as in A1). Reductions in material intensity and the introduction of clean and resource-efficient technologies. An emphasis on global solutions to economic, social, and environmental stability. Show parent | Reply Sum of ratings: 15 / 100

Resources for teaching about scenario B1 by Michelle Serger - Saturday, 19 November 2011, 09:15 AM

The B1 scenario (and the analysis of all of the emission scenarios) tie in perfectly with the most recent labs I have conducted in my Environmental Science course.  We completed an analysis of Human Population Growth and a Personal Energy Use Audit.  Both of the labs are from an AP Environmental Science lab manual.  The students were comfortable with undertanding the trends in world population growth, but were challenged by the calculations needed to analyze the information.  I will continue to use this resource as a lead-in to my discussion of population growth, resource use, and global climate change. We then tied the population growth into resource use with our Personal Energy Use Audit.  Again, students were challenged by the calculations, but I believe this is a necessary step in learning how to analyze information and reinforcing the skills necessary for 21st centurly learning.  When going over the calculations and the conclusions I learned a lot about student misconceptions.  Students had many questions about energy sources and types.  How they work, who uses them, when they can be used, etc.  Most were familiar with coal as an energy source, but needed explanation of the other energy sources such as nuclear power, solar power, and wind power.  We discussed the technologies and the costs of each.  I will continue to complete this lab (earlier in the school year next time) as part of my introduction to issues in Environmental Science and to Global Climate Change. After these steps I plan on using the links provided in our most recent session to take our data analysis and discussions to the next level, where we begin using more complex information and resources to reinforce both STEM teaching and learning and our discussion of Global Climate Change. An additional component I am working on is transitioning the course from a traditional pen/paper course to a course that is taught using a 1:1 tablet pc program.  I will be embedding links to these resources in my personal web page and considering how students may use them next year. Show parent | Reply Sum of ratings: 50 / 100

Re: Resources for teaching about scenario B1 by eugene keen - Saturday, 19 November 2011, 03:15 PM

Michelle: those two labs (HPG and the Energy Audit) sound great (I would love to take a look at them– can you gift them to me?) Can they be used in our course project? I believe labs are an optimal learning experience- the more the better! Our scenario is predicated on clean, resource-efficient technology – do we want to focus on that aspect in our project? Think GREEN - Utilizing Renewable Solar Energy is a natural for a STEM tech activity… I would love to look into the Green Roof Design as an out-of-class project (in miniature) for my envi sci class. I liked the Wind Power activity as well. The PBS Learning Media lab that involves filling balloons with car exhaust is a blast to do (but it’s difficult)… I want to try that lab where you use large jars with thermometers in sunlight with various GHGs inside (water vapor, CO2, would it be dangerous to put a little CH4 in one?)