Improving students' understanding of greenhouse effect, acid rain and the depletion of stratospheric ozone

Abstract

Global change phenomena, such as an enhancing greenhouse effect, acid rain or the depletion of stratospheric ozone, are considered as environmental problems. Contrary to the demands of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), three recently published studies have shown that German students still struggle with the acquisition of a scientifically acceptable understanding of these issues. These findings are in accordance with results from international research. Thus, the aim of the research project described in this paper is to enhance students’ understanding of the greenhouse effect, acid rain and the depletion of stratospheric ozone. Using the model of Didactical Design Research, teaching and learning materials were developed and empirically tested in Design-Experiments with 14 students in two iterative cycles. The results show that students are able to develop a scientifically acceptable understanding of the atmospheric phenomena by changing their prior conceptions in different ways. For example they can acquire a scientifical understanding of the transformation of radiation in the process of greenhouse effect or they can describe the chemical processes of the formation of acid rain and ozone depletion adequately. Furthermore the results bring out that students struggle with obstacles, e.g. concerning the acquisition of conceptions about radiation or the correct use of technical language.