Molecular Vibration Modes and Greenhouse Effect
Molecular Vibration Modes and Greenhouse Effect Reading A reading that discusses how chemical bonds in molecules respond to incident IR light and absorb IR energy during certain modes of vibration. The reading includes discussions on the vibrational modes of water vapor and carbon dioxide (CO2) molecules and explains why these gases act as greenhouse gases. […]
Black Carbon and Earth’s Albedo
Black Carbon and Earth’s Albedo Classroom/Laboratory Activity A laboratory activity to demonstrate the effect of black carbon on surface temperature of the Earth. This activity by Holzer et al. for the NESTA/Windows to the Universe team demonstrates the impact of black carbon on solar radiation absorption, particularly in the poles. Students will be introduced to […]
Black Carbon in the Atmosphere
Black Carbon in the Atmosphere Reading A reading that describes the effects of black carbon on the atmosphere and the climate system. This reading by Carl Zimmer for the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies details the albedo effect of black carbon, how it affects cloud formation, and its warming and cooling effects of […]
Black Carbon and Human Health
Black Carbon and Human Health Classroom/Laboratory Activity A classroom activity that discusses the impacts of black carbon emissions on human health. This activity by the Science Education Research Center at Carleton College (SERC Carleton) demonstrates how the burning of fossil fuels and biomass-based fuels results in black carbon emissions contribute to global warming, and impacts […]
Black Carbon- An Introduction
Black Carbon- An Introduction Reading An infographic that contains information on black carbon in the atmosphere and its contribution to global warming. This infographic titled, ‘Black Carbon’, by Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), explains what black carbon is, its sources, emission rates, impacts on health and climate, and solutions to reduce its emission. Students […]
The Greenhouse Effect
The Greenhouse Effect Model/Simulation An interactive simulation to explore the role of different greenhouse gases in causing the greenhouse effect. This PhET simulation titled, ‘The Greenhouse Effect’ by University of Colorado, Boulder, helps to visualise the greenhouse effect of the atmosphere. Students will learn how certain gases in the atmosphere absorb outgoing terrestrial radiation and […]
The Water Cycle
The Water Cycle Reading A reading that describes the impacts of climate change on the water cycle of Earth. This reading titled, ‘The Water Cycle and Climate Change’ by UCAR (University Corporation for Atmospheric Research) Center for Science Education details the effects of climate change on the natural water cycle on Earth. Students will learn […]
Precipitation Patterns and Climate Change
Precipitation Patterns and Climate Change Video A video micro-lecture by Jeff Dozier, University of California, Santa Barbara, that explains how climate change can affect the water cycle on Earth. Students will learn that rising temperatures can affect and change precipitation patterns. They will further understand how such changes can potentially affect communities through examples from […]
Interactive Quiz on the Water Cycle
Interactive Quiz on the Water Cycle Classroom/Laboratory Activity An interactive quiz about the Water Cycle. This quiz by NASA’s Global Climate Change website allows students to test their knowledge about the natural water cycle and its role in Earth’s climate. Students will be quizzed on various aspects of the water cycle, including evaporation and precipitation. […]
Biogeochemical Cycles and Climate Change
Biogeochemical Cycles and Climate Change Teaching Module A teaching module that discusses the carbon cycle and the nitrogen cycle. This reading by University The Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) describes the 2 cycles and details how the components are cycled through different parts of the Earth- atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Students will be introduced […]