What Are We Doing to Our Planet? Grade VII

Why is saving water so important? The growing population is causing our water supply to decrease more and more everyday. By using water not wastefully, we can help preserve water supplies for future generations, save money, and protect the environment in which we live.

How has our climate changed? During the Industrial Revolution, our climate began to change which was over 200 years ago. Our increasing population has also caused the burning of fossil fuel and deforestation to increase as well. This affects the gases in the air which causes the temperature to rise.

What are some ways humans have contributed to the changing climate? Human Contributions: Carbon Dioxide-motorized vehicles, electric power plants, and homes heated with gas or oil. Methane-the expansion of rice agriculture, the increased number of livestock, the increased number of landfills, and leakage from natural gas pipelines. CFCs-the use of refrigerants in air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, and heat pumps.

What is pollution and how can it affect what little natural resources we have left? It comes from a variety of sources which enter the air, land and water and cause environmental and health hazards.

Can you compare how two different types of pollution have affected the earth?

How can I make a difference? Recycle goods such as paper, plastic, and aluminum Save water and energy by using them more effectively Do not liter! Get involved: join an organization or volunteer to pick up trash in the community

Works Cited Science Netlinks http://www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/flash/ flash_watercycle.html There is a link to an animated water cycle. EPA Water Sense Kids http://epa.gov/watersense/kids/whysave.htm There is information on why saving water is important and ways to save water. U.S. EPA Water Sense http://epa.gov/watersense/ There are is more information on the importance of water efficiency. The EPA Climate Change Kids Site http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/ This site gives all sorts of information and short animated clips of various cycles (carbon/water cycle). Greenhouse Gases, Climate Change, and Energy http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/ggcc ebro/chapter1.html This site provides information on how humans have contributed to the climate change. Earth Systems Science http://rst.gsfc.nasa.gov/Sect16/full- 20earth2.jpg I got an image of planet earth. Kids’ Crossing Living In the Greenhouse! http://eo.ucar.edu/kids/green/cycles6.h tm There is a carbon cycle image and information explaining CO2. Activity 20 Teacher Guide: Human Activity and Climate Change http://www.ucar.edu/learn/1_4_2_20t.h I used some of the examples of human activity from CO2, methane, and CFCs as well as a pie chart to represent a student example of one they would create for this assignment. Pollution www.wasteandenvironment.org I got a picture of pollution from here.