Plastic Rain
Plastic Rain Overview As a High School or introductory Undergraduate Environmental Sciences or Chemistry teacher, you can use these computer based tools to teach about environmental pollutants like airborne microplastics and their impact on Earth’s climate. This lesson plan examines environmental pollutants like microplastics, their sources, their environmental impacts, impact on human health and how […]
The Impact of Human Activities on the Natural Carbon Cycle
The Impact of Human Activities on the Natural Carbon Cycle Classroom/Laboratory Activity A classroom/laboratory activity to understand the carbon cycle, and to explore how human activities may affect the natural carbon cycle. Students will run a simulation to explore how an increase in fossil fuel use will affect the natural carbon cycle, and will discuss […]
Modes of Vibration in Greenhouse Gas Molecules
Modes of Vibration in Greenhouse Gas Molecules Video A micro-lecture that describes the vibrational modes of polyatomic molecules, how these modes determine whether the molecules are IR inactive or IR active and explains why most IR active polyatomic gas molecules are greenhouse gases. Students will learn about the various modes of vibration in polyatomic gas […]
The Greenhouse Effect
The Greenhouse Effect Teaching Module A teaching module for teachers that explains what greenhouse gases are and describes their role in causing global warming. This resource developed by the Office for Climate Education (OCE) introduces students to the concept of the greenhouse effect and the importance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The module is […]
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 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. […]
The Chemistry Connection
Climate Change: The Chemistry Connection Reading Module A reading titled, ‘Finding Chemistry Connections in Climate Change’ by Jason Olsen for the American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT), provides an introduction to climate change, its impacts and their connection to chemistry. This reading includes discussions on topics in Chemistry that teachers can teach which have a […]