Activity Overview
There are several processes that contribute to global warming by releasing greenhouse gases, such as methane, water vapor, and carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. Processes like burning, also known as combustion, and deforestation contribute to global warming as they cause an increase of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In this activity, students will create a spider map that describes and illustrates several of these processes.
There are also natural processes that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere such as respiration, decomposition, and volcanic eruptions. As an extension, have your students complete this activity again just using natural processes that contribute to the greenhouse effect.
This could be used as a stimulus for discussion on how we as a planet can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases we release into the atmosphere.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Describe and illustrate processes that contribute to global warming.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify four processes that contribute to global warming in the title boxes.
- Write a sentence describing each one.
- Illustrate the effect using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples | There are at least four cells each giving causes of global warming. | There are at least two cells each giving causes of global warming. | There is a least one cell giving a cause of global warming. |
| Illustration | Each storyboard cell clearly illustrates a cause of global warming. | Each storyboard cell relates to a cause of global warming, but is difficult to understand. | Each storyboard cell does not clearly relate a cause of global warming. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
There are several processes that contribute to global warming by releasing greenhouse gases, such as methane, water vapor, and carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. Processes like burning, also known as combustion, and deforestation contribute to global warming as they cause an increase of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In this activity, students will create a spider map that describes and illustrates several of these processes.
There are also natural processes that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere such as respiration, decomposition, and volcanic eruptions. As an extension, have your students complete this activity again just using natural processes that contribute to the greenhouse effect.
This could be used as a stimulus for discussion on how we as a planet can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases we release into the atmosphere.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Describe and illustrate processes that contribute to global warming.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify four processes that contribute to global warming in the title boxes.
- Write a sentence describing each one.
- Illustrate the effect using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples | There are at least four cells each giving causes of global warming. | There are at least two cells each giving causes of global warming. | There is a least one cell giving a cause of global warming. |
| Illustration | Each storyboard cell clearly illustrates a cause of global warming. | Each storyboard cell relates to a cause of global warming, but is difficult to understand. | Each storyboard cell does not clearly relate a cause of global warming. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about What Causes Global Warming?
How to Facilitate a Classroom Debate on Solutions for Global Warming
Engaging students in a debate helps deepen understanding and critical thinking about real-world solutions to global warming.
Choose a debate topic and divide students into teams
Select a focused question such as ‘Which solution can most effectively reduce greenhouse gases?’ Assign teams to research and argue different positions for a balanced discussion.
Provide clear guidelines and research time
Outline debate rules, time limits, and respectful discussion expectations. Allow students time to gather facts and prepare evidence-based arguments.
Moderate the debate and encourage student-led discussion
Act as a facilitator to keep the debate on track, ensuring all voices are heard and students support their points with evidence.
Hold a class reflection and summarize key points
Guide students in reflecting on what they learned and how perspectives changed. Highlight main arguments and encourage personal action steps for real-world impact.
Frequently Asked Questions about What Causes Global Warming?
What are the main processes that cause global warming?
Global warming is mainly caused by processes that release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor into the atmosphere. Key contributors include burning fossil fuels (combustion), deforestation, respiration, decomposition, and volcanic eruptions.
How can I teach students about the causes of global warming using a spider map?
To teach students about global warming causes, have them create a spider map where they identify four processes (like combustion, deforestation, respiration, and decomposition), describe each, and illustrate their effects using scenes and items. This visual activity helps students connect ideas and understand complex processes easily.
What is the difference between natural and human-caused processes that contribute to the greenhouse effect?
Natural processes such as respiration, decomposition, and volcanic eruptions release greenhouse gases naturally. Human-caused processes like burning fossil fuels and deforestation add extra greenhouse gases, increasing the greenhouse effect and accelerating global warming.
Which greenhouse gases are most responsible for global warming?
The major greenhouse gases responsible for global warming are carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and water vapor. Of these, carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels and deforestation is the largest contributor.
What are some easy classroom activities to help students understand global warming?
Easy classroom activities include creating spider maps to visualize processes, group discussions on reducing greenhouse gases, role-playing scenarios, and simple experiments showing the greenhouse effect. These activities engage students and make the science behind global warming more relatable.
More Storyboard That Activities
The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
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