Earth's Atmosphere & CO2
Describe the composition of Earth's atmosphere (mainly nitrogen and oxygen, with small amounts of CO₂ and other gases), explain how human activity increases CO₂, and describe the impact on global climate
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“If your child was asked why scientists are worried about CO₂ levels rising, could they explain what CO₂ does in the atmosphere, why human activities produce more of it, and what effects it's having on the planet?”
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- Activity. Describe the composition of Earth's atmosphere (mainly nitrogen and oxygen, with small amounts of CO₂ and other gases), explain how human activity increases CO₂, and describe the impact on global climate
What to notice. States the approximate percentages of nitrogen, oxygen, CO₂, and argon in the atmosphere • Explains how burning fossil fuels and deforestation increase atmospheric CO₂ • Describes the greenhouse effect and how it leads to climate change • Discusses one specific consequence of climate change (e.g. rising sea levels, extreme weather)
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If your child was asked why scientists are worried about CO₂ levels rising, could they explain what CO₂ does in the atmosphere, why human activities produce more of it, and what effects it's having on the planet?
Describe the composition of Earth's atmosphere (mainly nitrogen and oxygen, with small amounts of CO₂ and other gases), explain how human activity increases CO₂, and describe the impact on global climate
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Check understanding
- States the approximate percentages of nitrogen, oxygen, CO₂, and argon in the atmosphere
- Explains how burning fossil fuels and deforestation increase atmospheric CO₂
- Describes the greenhouse effect and how it leads to climate change
- Discusses one specific consequence of climate change (e.g. rising sea levels, extreme weather)
“If your child was asked why scientists are worried about CO₂ levels rising, could they explain what CO₂ does in the atmosphere, why human activities produce more of it, and what effects it's having on the planet?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Matter & Materials
- Age range
- Ages 12–14
Standards