The Effect of Greenhouse Gases on the Environment

Air pollution produced by automobile fuel emission is believed by many scientists to be the contrbuting factor to Global Warming. As a result, more stringent air quality standards by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been enacted. In addition, attention has been given to creating alternative sources of energy to operate cars. Automobile manufactors have turned to the production of hybrid cars. Will the switch from gasoline powered cars be the solution? In this webquest, students will research this phenomenon  by addressing an essential question. Students will search several websites in order to answer the essential question by finding the answer to Twelve Key Background Questions.

The Essential Question:

What is the relationship between Global Warming and automobile fuel emission, and what effect will the use of hybrid or electrical cars have on the environment?

Key Background Questions:

1. What are Greenhouse Gases?
2. What is Global Warming?
3. What Greenhouse Gases are produced as a result of a combustion reaction in an automobile?
4. How are these gases related to Global Warming and the earth's climate changes?
5. How is gasoline being produced?
6. What alternatives to gasoline are being considered in order to protect the environment?
7. What components of gasoline react during a combustion reaction to produce carbon dioxide gas?
8. What is a hybrid or electrical car and how is it designed?
9. What features of a hybrid car make the greatest impact on the environment?
10. What is the U.S. Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) and what role does it play in improving the environment?
11. In what ways do automobile fuel emissions affect the environment? List specific examples.

12. What role will electrical cars have in alternative fuel energy resources?