Effect of Gases in Temperature Change in the Atmosphere: A STEM Activity

Abstract

This study aimed to plan and implement a lesson that focuses on the role of gases that are effective in global warming and to increase the middle school students’ awareness about global warming. The case study method was used. First, a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) lesson that focused on the increased use of fossil-based energy and plastic was planned and the lesson was taught to a class of 5th grade students. In the lesson, a new prototype was developed with an alternative measurement technique designed with arduino, based on the measurement of global warming values using glaciers' color before the invent of advanced technological products. The effect of CO2 and O2 gases on global warming was then measured using the arduino program. According to the prototype developed with arduino, CO2 caused more increment in the temperature. It was found that STEM education had a positive effect on students’ attitudes.