We’ve learnt and read about urgent topic of global warming and its impact on our world. With rising sea levels and the potential consequences for low-lying regions like Singapore, understanding this issue is crucial. Your child might even encounter questions about it in exams and PSLE.
Dive into these informative videos to gain insights:
How does this happen?
Firstly, we must understand what is happening to our planet.
Global warming is essentially the increase of our Earth’s average temperature. And humans play a significant role in this phenomenon, mainly through activities like burning fossil fuels. When we burn fuel, it releases a large amount of greenhouse gases in our Earth’s atmosphere. When fuel is burnt, greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere. Other types of greenhouse gases include methane, carbon monoxide, and nitrous oxide.
Think of these gases as a cozy “blanket” wrapped around Earth. Because of these greenhouse gases in our atmosphere which traps the sun’s heat, preventing some of the heat from escaping into space. Consequently, this causes our planet to warm up and this warming has drastic effects.
How serious is global warming? Let’s jump to Antarctica and Greenland.
As the global temperature climbs, the glaciers in icy realms like Antartica and Greenland starts to thaw.
When glaciers melt, the water stored on land pours into the ocean, significantly increasing its volume. This, in turn, raises global sea levels. If all the ice were to melt, it could cause a colossal 70-meter surge, submerging coastal cities worldwide including Singapore!
Doesn’t that sound very serious?
Right now, the Greenland ice sheet is vanishing four times faster than it did in 2003 and already contributes to 20% to the current rise in sea levels. Animals like the polar bear are starting to lose their habitats.
Recently, in the distant Antarctica, two species of flowering plants are now reportedly growing at unprecedented rates due to rising temperatures and melting ice. The Antarctic pearlwort’s growth rate has surged fivefold between 2009 and 2019. While this might seem like a botanical success story, it signifies the broader concern of environmental changes.
Image via @The Guardian
So, what should your child know about global warming, and what part can they play in this narrative?
It’s crucial for children to understand the impact of their actions on the environment.
Educating them about the causes and consequences of global warming empowers them to make informed decisions in their daily lives. Simple actions like reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and adopting sustainable practices can contribute to a healthier planet.
At BlueTree, we believe in instilling knowledge that goes beyond textbooks. Our 3E Framework (Explore, Explain, and Extend) goes hand in hand with real-life applications and hands-on experimentation. Through stories like the effects of global warming, we demonstrate how science is not just a subject but a tool to understand and address real-world challenges.
This knowledge becomes invaluable as they approach their Science and PSLE exams, particularly when dealing with application and experimental questions.
Feel free to reach out at 9616 0312 to discover more about the BlueTree Curriculum and how we shape young minds for a brighter future.
Read also: Light & Shadows (Important Concept to Remember for PSLE)
