Climate Change Education Across the Curricula, Across the Globe

Climate Change Education Across the Curricula

Tag: Climate and the Atmosphere

Reading: Beer-Lambert Law

Posted by on in Chemistry

A reading that uses the Beer-Lambert Law to highlight the link between greenhouse gases and global warming. This reading by Tom Kuntzleman, Chemical Education Xchange (ChemEd X), uses the Beer-Lambert Law to explain the increasing global warming potential of Earth’s atmosphere due to the higher concentrations of greenhouse gases in recent times.

Students will learn about the composition of the atmosphere and the greenhouse effect. They will also be introduced to the Beer-Lambert Law which is used to study the transmittance of sunlight through the atmosphere. They will further learn how this law can be used to evaluate the absorbance values of individual gases in the atmosphere, particularly greenhouse gases.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is the Beer-Lambert Law? How is it expressed in an equation?
  2. Discuss the composition of the atmosphere. 
  3. How do increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases affect the absorbance of sunlight?

About the tool

Tool NameChemical Connections to Climate Change
DisciplineChemistry
Topic(s) in DisciplineBeer-Lambert Law, Molar Absorptivity, Solar Absorption, Greenhouse Gases
Climate Topic Climate and the Atmosphere; Greenhouse Effect
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelHigh School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byTom Kuntzleman, Spring Arbor University
Hosted atChemical Education Xchange (ChemEd X) Website
Linkhttps://www.chemedx.org/blog/chemical-connections-climate-change
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Classroom/Laboratory Activity: Black Carbon and Earth’s Albedo

Posted by on in Chemistry

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 the albedo effect of black carbon. From the experiment, they will also learn how to collect and translate their findings using a simple model. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is the albedo effect of black carbon and how does it affect the surface temperature of Earth?
  2. Discuss how cutting down of black carbon emissions can reduce global surface temperatures.

About the tool

Tool NameChanging Planet: Black Carbon- A Dusty Situation
DisciplineChemistry
Topic(s) in DisciplineCarbon Chemistry, Allotropy, Allotropes of carbon, Black Carbon, Greenhouse Gas
Climate Topic Climate and the Atmosphere, Greenhouse Effect
Type of tool Classroom/Laboratory Activity
Grade LevelHigh School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byMissy Holzer, Jennifer Bergman, and Roberta Johnson
Hosted atNESTA/Windows to the Universe team Website
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video Micro-lecture: Ocean Buffer Chemistry

Posted by on in Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences

A video micro-lecture that explains carbonate buffering in the ocean. It includes discussions on the changes in the chemical composition of the ocean caused by a higher concentration of dissolved CO2, ocean acidification and the resulting effect on ocean biota.

Read More “Video Micro-lecture: Ocean Buffer Chemistry”

Video Micro-lecture: Modes of Vibration in Greenhouse Gas Molecules

Posted by on in Chemistry

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.

Read More “Video Micro-lecture: Modes of Vibration in Greenhouse Gas Molecules”

Video Lecture: An Introduction to Atmospheric Thermodynamics

Posted by on in Earth Sciences, Physics

A video lecture titled, ‘Atmospheric Thermodynamics – Introduction’ from the e-learning course, ‘Introduction to Atmospheric Science’ developed by C Balaji, IIT Madras, for National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), India. This video lecture discusses the laws of thermodynamics, the gas laws, Boyle’s Law, Hooke’s law, and Dalton’s Law.

Students will learn about the basics of thermodynamics and its importance in atmospheric physics. They will learn about the role of pressure, partial pressure, temperature, and molecular behaviour in thermodynamic calculations. Additionally, students will also learn about the role of thermodynamic laws and calculations in various fields of studies.

A transcript of the lecture is also provided.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. What are the laws of thermodynamics?
  2. How do changes in temperature and pressure impact thermodynamic calculations?
  3. How are thermodynamic calculations used to predict climate and weather patterns?

About the tool

Tool NameLecture-10: Atmospheric Thermodynamics- Introduction
DisciplinePhysics, Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineThermodynamics, Atmospheric Thermodynamics, Atmospheric Sciences, First law of Thermodynamics, Second Law of Thermodynamics, Earth system, Boyle’s Law, Hooke’s law, Dalton’s Law
Climate TopicClimate and the Atmosphere
Type of toolVideo Lecture (51 mins)
Grade LevelUndergraduate, Graduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish
Translation
Developed byC Balaji, IIT Madras
Hosted atNPTEL (https://nptel.ac.in/courses/119/106/119106008/)
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video/ Microlecture: Quantum Physics

Posted by on in Earth Sciences, Physics

A microlecture that describes the photoelectric effect and how it works with respect to greenhouse gases. This video by Shohini Ghose for TEDxVictoria describes how light and matter possess energy and how the transfer of this energy occurs between different bodies.

Students will learn briefly about the discovery of the photoelectric effect and its relevance to quantum physics. They will further be introduced to various technologies, such as solar cells, which utilize this phenomenon and how they may help combat global warming. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. Describe the photoelectric effect.
  2. Describe the greenhouse effect. 
  3. Discuss the various technologies discussed in the video that utilize the photoelectric effect that may help combat global warming.

About the tool

Tool NameHow Quantum Physics Can Help Us Fight Climate Change
DisciplinePhysics, Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineQuantum Physics, Photoelectric Effect, Photons, Wavelengths of Light, Visible Light, Infrared Radiation, Greenhouse Effect, Solar Cells, Quantum Entanglement
Climate Topic Climate and the Atmosphere; Energy, Economics and Climate Change; Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
Type of tool Video/ Microlecture (15 mins)
Grade LevelHigh School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byShohini Ghose
Hosted atTEDxVictoria
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video Lecture: Quantum Mechanics and Climate Change

Posted by on in Earth Sciences, Physics

A lecture that describes how quantum mechanics plays a role in understanding Earth’s climate systems and climate change. This lecture by Brad Marston, Brown University, uses Richard Feynman’s double slit experiment to explain how changing concentrations of greenhouse gases could potentially affect Earth’s climate.

Students will be provided an overview of several key concepts in physics, such as the photoelectric effect, and some of the important equations used. They will further be introduced to the changing levels of CO2, atmospheric dynamics, how temperatures are measured, and how melting sea ice is affecting the circulation of wind, among other things.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. State the Photoelectric Effect along with its equation.
  2. Discuss the equation used to measure temperatures on different planets. 
  3. Discuss how the melting of ice affects the circulation of winds?

About the tool

Tool NameHow Quantum Physics Can Help Us Fight Climate Change
DisciplinePhysics, Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineQuantum Physics, Photoelectric Effect, Photons, Quantum Mechanics, Atmospheric Dynamics, Planck’s Constant, Richard Feynman Experiment 
Climate Topic Climate and the Atmosphere
Type of tool Video Lecture (1h 17mins)
Grade LevelUndergraduate, Graduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byBrad Marston, Brown University
Hosted atYouTube
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: The Water Cycle

Posted by on in Chemistry

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 how various processes of the water cycle, such as evaporation, precipitation, and cloud formation, are potentially affected by climate change. They will further understand how these changes in turn could exacerbate the impacts of global warming.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. Describe the water cycle.
  2. List some of the ways how climate change can affect the weather.
  3. Discuss the water cycle and how it affects Earth’s climate. 

About the tool

Tool NameThe Water Cycle and Climate Change
DisciplineChemistry
Topic(s) in DisciplineEnvironmental Chemistry, Water Cycle, Biogeochemical Cycles, Hydrologic Cycle, Condensation, Evaporation, Evapotranspiration, Groundwater, Precipitation, Sublimation
Climate Topic Climate and the Hydrosphere; Climate and the Atmosphere
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelMiddle School, High School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byUCAR (University Corporation for Atmospheric Research) Center for Science Education
Hosted atUCAR Center for Science Education Website
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Classroom/ Laboratory Activity: Interactive Quiz on the Water Cycle

Posted by on in Chemistry

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. They will understand the connections between the various components of the water cycle and be introduced to some of the facts and figures associated with these components. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. Discuss the ‘Water Cycle’ and its components in the classroom. 
  2. Discuss how climate change can potentially affect the water cycle. 

About the tool

Tool NamePrecipitation and the Water Cycle
DisciplineChemistry
Topic(s) in DisciplineEnvironmental Chemistry, Water Cycle, Biogeochemical Cycles, Hydrologic Cycle, Condensation, Evaporation, Evapotranspiration, Groundwater, Precipitation, Sublimation
Climate Topic Climate and the Hydrosphere; Climate and the Atmosphere
Type of tool Quiz
Grade LevelMiddle School, High School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byNASA’s Global Climate Change
Hosted atNASA’s Global Climate Change Website
Linkhttps://climate.nasa.gov/quizzes/water-cycle/
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video/Microlecture: Precipitation Patterns and Climate Change

Posted by on in Chemistry

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 the United States.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. Discuss the water cycle and its components in the classroom. 
  2. Discuss how climate change induced shifts in precipitation affect communities living in those areas.

About the tool

Tool NameHow Will Climate Change Affect It? – The Water Cycle
DisciplineChemistry
Topic(s) in DisciplineEnvironmental Chemistry, Water Cycle, Biogeochemical Cycles, Hydrologic Cycle, Condensation, Evaporation, Evapotranspiration, Groundwater, Precipitation, Sublimation
Climate Topic Climate and the Hydrosphere; Climate and the Atmosphere
Type of tool Video/Microlecture (2 mins)
Grade LevelHigh School
LocationGlobal, USA
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byJeff Dozier, University of California, Santa Barbara 
Hosted atNational Science Foundation on YouTube
Linkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI5b5bwpdVE
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change

Posted by on in Chemistry, Environmental Sciences

A reading that describes natural carbon sources and sinks. This reading by Noelle Eckley Selin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, describes how anthropogenic activities alter the concentration of carbon in various sources and sinks, thus, contributing to global warming.

Students will learn about the various types of carbon sinks and sources. They will further understand the importance of the removal of this excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere using technologies for carbon capture and storage, and carbon sequestration.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What are the natural sources and sinks of carbon on Earth?
  2. Discuss the importance of carbon sequestration for climate mitigation.
  3. Discuss carbon sequestration through carbon capture and storage technologies.

About the tool

Tool NameCarbon Sequestration
DisciplineChemistry, Environmental Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineCarbon Sequestration, Carbon Capture and Storage, Carbon Sources and Sinks
Climate Topic Climate and the Atmosphere; Climate Mitigation and Adaptation; Climate and the Biosphere; Climate and the Lithosphere
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelMiddle School, High School
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byNoelle Eckley Selin
Hosted atBritannica
Linkhttps://www.britannica.com/technology/carbon-sequestration
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Reading: The Concrete Problem

Posted by on in Chemistry, Environmental Sciences

A reading that describes how the cement industry contributes to global warming. This reading by Carbon Brief discusses the production of traditional cement and how this contributes to 8% of carbon dioxide emissions globally. It further highlights the projected increase in demand for concrete, particularly in developing countries, and how this could potentially raise emissions further. 

Students will learn about global large-scale cement production and the resulting carbon emissions. They will also learn about alternate and ‘novel’ methods of production that are being researched and the complexities of switching to these modes of production. They will further understand the practical, political and economic complexities with respect to cutting emissions as per global standards. 

Use this tool to help your students find answers to: 

  1. What is cement and how is it produced?
  2. List some of the reasons ‘emissions per tonne of output’ has reduced in cement production? In contrast, why are sector emissions still on the rise? 
  3. Discuss the current ‘roadmap’ of cement production with respect to the 2C scenario.

About the tool

Tool Name‘Q&A: Why cement emissions matter for climate change’
DisciplineChemistry, Environmental Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineEnvironmental Chemistry, Cement, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Pollution
Climate Topic Climate and the Atmosphere; Climate and the Anthroposphere
Type of tool Reading
Grade LevelHigh School, Undergraduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byJocelyn Timperley, Carbon Brief
Hosted atCarbon Brief Website
Linkhttps://www.carbonbrief.org/qa-why-cement-emissions-matter-for-climate-change
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video Lecture: First Law of Thermodynamics

Posted by on in Earth Sciences, Physics

A video lecture titled, ‘Basic Thermodynamics’ from the e-learning course, ‘Introduction to Atmospheric Science’ developed by C Balaji, IIT Madras, for National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), India. This video lecture explains and details the first law of thermodynamics (Q – W = Delta E) in the context of atmospheric science.

Students will be introduced to the first law of thermodynamics. They will further be introduced to terms such as adiabatic and isothermal processes and related equations and methods of calculating geo-potential thickness using Radiosonde data. 

A transcript of the lecture is also provided.

  1. State the first law of thermodynamics with the equation. 
  2. State the relationship between pressure and volume. 
  3. Discuss the first law of thermodynamics with respect to Earth’s atmospheric system. 

About the tool

Tool NameBasic Thermodynamics
DisciplinePhysics, Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineThermodynamics, First Law of Thermodynamics, Adiabatic Process, Isothermal Process, Energy, Atmospheric Sciences, Earth system, Atmosphere
Climate Topic Climate and the Atmosphere
Type of tool Video Lecture (49 mins)
Grade LevelUndergraduate, Graduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish 
Translation
Developed byC Balaji, IIT Madras
Hosted atNPTEL
LinkLink
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic

Video Lecture: Claussius Clayperon and the Second Law of Thermodynamics

Posted by on in Earth Sciences, Physics

Two video lectures titled, ‘The Second Law of Thermodynamics – Clausius Clapeyron Relation’ and ‘Clausius Clapeyron Relation (Contd.)’ from the e-learning course, ‘Introduction to Atmospheric Science’ developed by C Balaji, IIT Madras, for National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), India. These video lectures provide details about the second law of thermodynamics, Clausius Clapeyron equation, Carnot cycle, and entropy,. It also discusses radiation laws, radiative transfer, Prevost’s theory, wave theory, particle theory, and black body behaviour. 

Students will learn about the Clausius Clapeyron equation, how saturated vapour pressure changes with temperature, and the impact of temperature and pressure changes on water vapour and earth’s climate. They will also learn how to calculate the reversible and adiabatic process called the isentropic process and quasistatic processes.

A transcript of the lecture is also provided.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. Define the following:
  1. the Second Law of Thermodynamics 
  2. the Clausius Clapeyron equation
  3. Entropy
  4. Radiative transfer
  5. Adiabatic Process
  6. Prevost’s theory
  1. How does height, pressure and water vapour percentage impact the atmospheric temperature?
  2. How can mechanical engineers contribute to reduce global warming using the second law of thermodynamics?

About the tool

Tool NameLecture – 29: The Second Law of Thermodynamics – Clausius Clapeyron Relation and Lecture – 30: Clausius Clapeyron Relation (Contd.)
DisciplinePhysics, Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in DisciplineClimate Physics, Atmospheric Sciences, Atmospheric Physics, Second Law of Thermodynamics, Thermodynamics, Clausius Clapeyron equation, Radiative Transfer, Prevost’s Theory
Climate TopicClimate and the Atmosphere
Type of toolVideo Lecture (42 mins and 45 mins)
Grade LevelUndergraduate, Graduate
LocationGlobal
LanguageEnglish
Translation
Developed byC Balaji, IIT Madras
Hosted atNPTEL (https://nptel.ac.in/courses/119/106/119106008/)
LinkLink 1, Link 2
AccessOnline
Computer SkillsBasic