Unit 9 -- Environment and the Future

The purpose of this final unit is to finish this course on a positive note. So, in this unit we will first take a closer look at the impact a single human can make to the global accumulation of greenhouse gases, something we call a "Carbon Footprint."  Then, we will explore ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and that Carbon Footprint through  "Green" technologies.

Assignment 1: Watch the video - "Human Footprint." Note interesting facts. Be prepared to discuss what you learned afterwards.

Assignment 2: "Your Carbon Footprint" - activity. Complete this assignment in three parts (outlined below). Use the worksheet to guide you. (Click here to see worksheet)

Part 1 - Click on the following website link and then click on the gray tab labeled "Secondary." Now calculate your personal Carbon Footprint by answering the survey questions and then clicking on the green bar entitled "Estimate Secondary Footprint." at the bottom of the survey.  Your footprint will be based on your current lifestyle choices. Record your score on the Carbon Footprint worksheet.

Part 2 - Return to the top of the webpage  and then click on "CO₂ Reduction."  List those things you are willing to do as an individual to reduce carbon emissions.

Part 3 - Click on "Carbon Calculator" at the top of the page and recalculate your Secondary Carbon Footprint employing as many of the things you listed above to reduce carbon emissions as well as any additional lifestyle choices that you might think could further reduce your footprint. Record your new score and turn in your worksheet. Afterwords, consider actually making some of those changes in your daily life


Assignment 2: Roof-top Gardening. Watch the following videos on roof-top gardens. Afterwards be prepared to discuss what you learned.

Click here to see the first video.

Now watch the following video entitled "Roof-top Garden - NYC."

 

Assignment 3:  Cement -- "How hard can this be?"  Watch the following videos about cement production.  The first video is entitled "Cement from CO2 and Sea Water" and the second entitled "Note how scientists and engineers plan to turn a process, which normally requires a lot of energy and produces tons of carbon dioxide, into an environmental friendly, carbon neutral process.

Quiz.  Coming Soon!