The presented environmental ILS was designed implementing the scientific impact approach. In this activity students learn about the science behind the Greenhouse Effect and how different molecules interact with electromagnetic radiation. Students get an overall idea of why the Greenhouse effect is important but at the same time, human activities can disturb the delicate balance of the effect.

Learning Objectives:

After this activity, students should be able understand:

• the role of Greenhouse Gases in shaping the planet's climate
• that naturally produced Greenhouse Gases are important to Earth's climate
• how human-produced Greenhouse gases disturb the balance of our atmosphere
• how the Greenhouse Effect works

This activity may be used as a standalone project. At the same time, if a teacher would like to design a holistic engaging student’s enterprise “Greenhouse gases” (for secondary education schools) a set of three lessons could be used as a starting point.

The students can start with this activity to understand how the Greenhouse Effect works and address the misconception that Greenhouse Gases are always harmful (Friends or foes?). Then they may engage in an activity that focuses on the socioeconomic impact (What's your diet's footprint?). Finally, they can participate in an open schooling-designed activity during which they can raise awareness about human-produced Greenhouse Gases and their impact within their own community (Reducing Human Emissions).

The ILS design is following the principles of the universal design for learning (UDL) for inclusive learning.

Reviewers:  Olga Dziabenko and Iratxe Mentxaka

This activity was developed in the framework of the InSTEAM project.