THE AEROSOLS AND CLOUDS PBL ACTIVITY (Grades 5-12)

This problem-based learning module combines NASA’s CALIPSO and CloudSat missions so that students can more closely investigate the relationship between aerosols and clouds.

This is a student-centered module and is meant to provide students ownership in the learning process gained through defining their own learning needs. The module objectives listed may be modified to meet your curriculum. Depending on your needs, you may extend the module to more complex areas such as the role of aerosols and clouds in the Earth’s energy budget and the connection of aerosols and clouds to global climate change. The Web sites and information provided in this module are not meant to be all-inclusive. You can encourage students to locate other sources of information, e.g., from experts, books, the Web, or magazines.

Note: The scenario as presented may bias students in to thinking that smoke stack emissions are a good thing. Furthermore, they may go away thinking that they counteract global warming because of the emission of sulfate aerosols, which is the only products from smokestacks addressed in this module. However, ozone precursors and carbon dioxide (both greenhouse gases) are also released. It is not certain that one counteracts the other.

I. PBL Activity Objectives

II. Key Questions for Students

III. Problem-Solving Model

IV. Materials and Procedures

V. Resources

Appendix A: Sample Student Activity Sheet

Appendix B: Assessment Rubric

Appendix C: National Science Education Standards

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