Week 13: Climate Data

 1. What did you learn in the lab section this week?

- In our lab section this week, I learned more about the importance of inquiry in a science classroom and even in a general classroom. The main thing that we talked about was the data that shows that climate change is happening. We looked at articles that talked specifically about Iowa being in danger because of the rising temperatures. Since more days are above 90 degrees in Iowa, many different complications are occurring. Migration patterns are being affected. There is a rise in allergies because the plants are growing earlier. 

What did you learn in the discussion? 

- In our class discussion, I learned more about how dumb a lot of people are thinking that climate change is not real. I learned more about how the glaciers are melting and how, in my lifetime, I will probably not be able to see glaciers because they are quickly melting and retracting. We learned about the Paris Agreement, which was a treaty on climate change that was created to limit global warming to a change of 2 degrees Celsius. When the Paris Agreement was signed within five years, the United States, which is the country that pollutes the most, retracted from this agreement. We rejoined in 2021. We also talked about how the melting ice on the land is what makes the sea level rise. 

What did you learn in the press book reading?

In the press book reading for this week, I learned about greenhouse gases and the many different gases that are considered greenhouse gases. Some of the greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, water vapor, and ozone. I also learned about the greenhouse effect, which describes greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere when they trap heat. The absorbed radiation is released as heat, which increases the Earth's temperature. 

What do you need more information on based on the press book reading?

I need more information on the albedo effect. I understand that a decrease in albedo results in climate change, but I still do not grasp the entire concept. 

Questions?

- So, ultimately, greenhouse gases are not good for the environment, but sometimes they are good for it, too?