Use this category to discuss the unit: Chemical Reactions, Asthma, and Alternative Fuels: Making a Change.
Unit Details
Description: Using dynamic graphs, computer models, and drawings students investigate the chemical reaction of gasoline combustion. Using a virtual experiment, students explore the greenhouse effect and how it is impacted by gasoline combustion. They explore greenhouse gas emissions and their effects on air quality. Next, students are introduced to redlining and examine why people of color are more likely to live in an area more impacted by air quality and climate change due to historically racist policies. Finally, students use a virtual experiment to investigate alternative fuel solutions and their impact on greenhouse gas emissions, global temperature, and cost to produce. Throughout the project students use evidence from the models, graphs, and experiments to compose an evidence rich letter to the President on how gasoline combustion impacts global climate and recommend a solution. (ARISE)
Note: Activities in this unit investigate some racial inequities. Our goal is to help students use their scientific understanding to notice inequitable impacts and make changes for justice. These activities might raise strong emotions for your students.
Discipline: Earth and Space Sciences / Physical Sciences
Features: Notebook; virtual experiments; dynamic graphs; concept diagram
Grade level: 7, 8
NGSS Performance Expectations: MS-ESS3 Earth and Human Activity (MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-5) / MS-PS1 Matter and its Interactions (MS-PS1-1, MS-PS1-3, MS-PS1-4, MS-PS1-5)