SUMMARY

This activity has been selected for inclusion in the CLEAN Collection based on the following review comments:

This simulation allows the user to project CO2 sources and sinks by adjusting the points on a graph and then running the simulation to see projections for the impact on atmospheric CO2 and global temperatures.

About the Science

• An interactive way to look at the global carbon cycle and its relationship with global warming.
• The estimated global temperature response is a rough scaling based upon average IPCC AR4 (2007) model sensitivity to atmospheric CO₂.
• Students can adjust CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels and land use (sources) and uptake from oceans and land (sinks).
• Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION AND TEACHING MATERIALS

Simulation >> The Global Carbon Budget 1960-2100

Technical Details/Ease of Use

• The teacher may need to explain to students that they must select a button under sources or sinks before they can manipulate the graph on the left.
• Good introductory material on home page http://carboncycle.aos.wisc.edu/. Easy to use and analyze the results.

TEACHING NOTES / CONTEXT FOR USE

• Direct students to watch each projection at least twice: Once while focusing on the graph being produced, and then again to watch changes in the graphic at the bottom of the page.
• Excellent graphic that shows changes in the carbon cycle given different scenarios of fossil fuel use in the future.
• Students use the interactive as a tool to predict what temperature conditions on Earth will be given different levels of carbon injected into the atmosphere.
• Shows the complexities of climate change and the usefulness and limitations of modeling.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment is at the discretion of the educator as to how the resource is used.
 

REFERENCES AND RESOURCES