Sie sind auf Seite 1von 4

Analyzing Greenhouse Gases Over Time

Objectives
To organize raw data by using charts and graphs

To analyze the charts and graphs to see trends in the data, and extend the trends into the future

To draw valid conclusions based on authentic research data.

Engage
You have been assigned a position in a research institution dealing with global issues. A research
scientist has just published "raw data." Within a week a major international conference on this
material will be held and you need to analyze the data. The data need to be presented and organized in
a meaningful and useful way.

Explore/Explain
Materials: (for each team of students)
raw data (see below)

pencil

graph paper

ruler

Procedure:
1. Discuss where data come from, types of graphs available, what a trend is, and how to project a
trend. (Class discussion)

2. Work in small teams to analyse the different data sets. Although you will be responsible for
plotting just one of the graphs, the whole activity is a collaborative, group activity.

3. Simulate the role of a research scientist - an 'expert'.

4. Using accompanying data, plot the values and make the curve for each of the graphs. Leave
space on the graph for plotting a future trend.

5. Upon completion of the graph(s), continue the trend of the curve for another 50 years.

6. Analyse and develop a conclusion for each graph. Write this on a separate piece of paper which
can be attached under the graph.

7. Elect a spokesperson to report the interpretation of each graph, including:


a) consensus view
b) a minority view
8. Discuss the role of data analysis in scientific research. How do choices in displaying data affect
communication? (Class discussion)

Expand
1. Make a display of the various graphs and conclusions.
2. Explore the Internet for raw data currently being reported by scientists working in Antarctica or
in Greenland. Follow the analytic procedures and report findings to the class.

3. The graphs will indicate a rising trend in several greenhouse gases. The debate about the
increase in greenhouse gases as a major factor in global warming continues. But it is important
to note the reduction in CFC levels which was the result of an international agreement to
decrease production. CFCs are not only a greenhouse gas, but also destroy the ozone layer
which protects us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Raw Data
Atmospheric Greenhouse Gases Affected by Human Activities
ppmv = Parts per million by volume

CO2 Concentration Methane Concentration CFC Production Nitrous Oxide

Year ppmv Year ppmv Year Amount Year ppmv


1958 314.8 1850 0.90 1955 100 1750 283.0
1959 316.1 1879 0.93 1957 120 1760 283.5
1960 317.0 1880 0.90 1959 140 1770 284.0
1961 317.7 1892 0.88 1961 150 1780 284.0
1962 318.6 1908 1.00 1963 150 1790 285.0
1963 319.1 1917 1.00 1965 200 1800 285.5
1964 319.4 1918 1.02 1967 225 1810 286.0
1965 320.4 1927 1.03 1969 290 1820 286.5
1966 321.1 1929 1.13 1971 320 1830 287.0
1967 322.0 1940 1.12 1973 375 1840 287.5
1968 322.8 1949 1.18 1975 350 1850 288.0
1969 324.2 1950 1.20 1977 360 1860 288.5
1970 325.5 1955 1.26 1979 330 1870 289.0
1971 326.5 1956 1.30 1981 325 1880 289.5
1972 327.6 1957 1.34 1983 320 1890 290.0
1973 329.8 1958 1.35 1985 340 1900 291.0
1974 330.4 1987 300 1910 292.0
1975 331.0 Year ppmv 1989 305 1920 292.5
1976 332.1 1975 1.45 1991 310 1930 293.0
1977 333.6 1976 1.47 1940 294.0
1978 335.2 1977 1.50 1950 295.0
1979 336.5 1978 1.52 1960 297.0
1980 338.4 1979 1.55 1970 299.0
1981 339.5 1980 1.56 1980 305.0
1982 340.8 1981 1.58 1990 310.0
1983 342.8 1982 1.60
1984 344.3 1983 1.60
1985 345.7 1984 1.61
1986 346.9 1985 1.62
1987 348.6 1986 1.63
1988 351.2 1987 1.65
1989 352.9 1988 1.67
1990 354.2 1989 1.69
1991 355.6 1990 1.72
1992 356.4
1993 357.0
1994 358.9
1995 360.9
1996 362.6
1997 363.8
1998 366.6
1999 368.3
2000 369.5
2001 371.0
2002 373.1
2003 375.6
2004 377.4

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen