Unit 4: Considering the Influence of Light and Thermal Phenomena on Global Clima
Unit 4: Considering the Influence of Light and Thermal Phenomena on Global Climate
I. Introduction
The theme for this course is: What happens when light from the Sun shines on the Earth? In this unit, you will be exploring the effect of light from the Sun on the Earth’s atmosphere, land, and oceans. In particular, you will be developing additional central ideas about light and thermal phenomena as well as considering ways that energy from the Sun enters and leaves the Earth. While exploring these phenomena, you will be:
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identifying resources such as what you already know about aspects relevant to global climate change
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developing additional central ideas based on evidence about models of light and thermal phenomena
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explaining intriguing phenomena such as the greenhouse effect and rising sea levels
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developing mathematical representations of changing quantities such as the rate of change in the mass of melting glaciers
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using mathematical representations to estimate a quantity of interest such as predictions about the likelihood of flooding at particular locations
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considering ways you and others already are and/or can take action to address climate change issues and
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making connections to educational policy, such as the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS Lead States, 2013), the science standards adopted by many US departments of education.
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This unit continues your exploration of learning processes as well as of physical phenomena. The main sections present questions with suggestions for exploring topics and for writing reflections about your findings. Text in gray font indicates that these are suggestions; you may think of other ways to explore the topic. Asking your own questions as well as those posed here will enhance learning both about physics and about learning. Check with your instructor if you choose to devise an alternative approach.
Small groups will be exploring various phenomena in class. Keeping track of what one is doing and thinking is important. In this course, use a template for a physics notebook page on which to record your notes during class. The physics notebook page can help you remember your thoughts before, during, and after an exploration. An experienced elementary teacher, Adam Devittt, designed this notebook page to mirror the structure of before, during, and after reading strategies:
Before starting your exploration, think about and discuss with your group members what you know already about this topic, how you plan to conduct the exploration, and what you think you might find out.
During your exploration, record what is happening, what you are observing, and what you are thinking about what you are observing. Include sketches of equipment and observations. Note any words that are new and their definitions.
After your exploration, record any central ideas that have emerged from your observations and discussions. Also note the evidence on which you have based these ideas. State explicitly how the evide