This video segment, from the 'Earth: The Operators' Manual' featuring climate expert …
This video segment, from the 'Earth: The Operators' Manual' featuring climate expert Richard Alley, shows how ice cores stored at the National Ice Core Lab provide evidence that ancient ice contains records of Earth's past climate - specifically carbon dioxide and temperature.
This video is narrated by climate scientist Richard Alley. It examines studies …
This video is narrated by climate scientist Richard Alley. It examines studies US Air Force conducted over 50 years ago on the warming effects of CO2 in the atmosphere and how that could impact missile warfare. The video then focuses on the Franz Josef glacier in New Zealand; the glacier is used to demonstrate a glacier's formation, depth of snow fall in the past, and understand atmospheric gases and composition during the last Ice Age. Supplemental resources are available through the website.
C-ROADS is a simplified version of a climate simulator. Its primary purpose …
C-ROADS is a simplified version of a climate simulator. Its primary purpose is to help users understand the long-term climate effects (CO2 concentrations, global temperature, sea level rise) of various customized actions to reduce fossil fuel CO2 emissions, reduce deforestation, and grow more trees. Students can ask multiple, customized what-if questions and understand why the system reacts as it does.
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students calculate their own carbon footprint using Peter …
SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students calculate their own carbon footprint using Peter Kalmus's methodology in his book Being the Change: Live Well and Spark a Climate Revolution.
SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson shows basic techniques to calculate individual carbon footprint. There are no contradictions in the data source or methods for calculating carbon footprint as indicated in this lesson. All the examples shown are valid estimations. This lesson has passed our science review and is suitable for classroom.
POSITIVES: -This lesson features many math skills: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division by rational numbers; estimation; conversion between metric and imperial units; and logic and reasoning skills. -Students manipulate data in a spreadsheet and create a pie chart using many different data points. -Students engage with many different units, including CO2e, CCF, kWh, and therms. -This lesson provides students with the opportunity to measure their own impact on the Earth. Students can reflect on their own impact and brainstorm ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES: -You must be sensitive to your students if you choose to run this lesson. Be mindful of socioeconomic status in your classroom. -Students will most likely ask their families for certain data points, like electricity or fossil gas usage. Be sensitive to your students' families. Some families may not want to share this information with their child's teacher. -In most situations, it would be useful for students to have the option to share final numbers with the class. You do not have to make it mandatory. -This lesson was adapted from "Leaving Fossil Fuel" Chapter 9 from Peter Kalmus's book Being the Change: Live Well and Spark a Climate Revolution.
DIFFERENTIATION: -This lesson can be used as an extension, extra credit opportunity, or one option in a menu of choices. -If everyone feels comfortable, students can collaborate as they figure out their respective carbon footprints. -Students should use the glossary at the end of the Teacher Slideshow to help them understand new terms and concepts. -Students can use the 2nd and 3rd tabs in their spreadsheets to see finished examples. This is author Dan Castrigano's carbon footprint data from 2019-2020.
SYNOPSIS: This lesson introduces solar energy and tasks students with solving an …
SYNOPSIS: This lesson introduces solar energy and tasks students with solving an algebraic equation to determine the amount of daily sunlight needed to make a solar panel effective.
SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson lets students analyze peak sun hours needed to generate electricity from a solar panel. The equation used in the calculation is appropriate, and students would be able to calculate their electricity footprint in real-time. All accompanying materials, case studies, and activities contained in this lesson are well-sourced. Accordingly, this lesson has passed our science credibility and is recommended for teaching.
POSITIVES: -The lesson is personalized to the students' community, which will make it more engaging and relevant. -This lesson ties closely with the following lesson in the unit, but it can also be used as a standalone lesson if desired.
ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES: -This is lesson 1 of 5 in our 6-8th grade Renewable Energy Algebra unit. -Students should be familiar with renewable energy. If not, more time may be needed in the Inquire section to introduce renewable energy. This video can be used. -Students should know kWh refers to Kilowatt-hour. This interactive map about the carbon intensity of electricity by country measured in kWh can support students with better visualizing the unit. -Students should understand that kilo means 1,000, so a kilowatt is 1,000 watts. This reading can help students build background knowledge on electric power and its units of measure.
DIFFERENTIATION: -Teachers can have students work with a partner on the calculations in the Investigate section and purposefully group students based on skill level. -Teachers can work with small groups of students who may need additional assistance with the calculations. -Teachers can limit the number of questions students complete. The questions get progressively more difficult. -Some questions have the same setup but use different numbers. If necessary, some could be taken out to save time (questions 1-4 and questions 5-7).
In this lesson, students complete real-world calculations related to residential solar energy …
In this lesson, students complete real-world calculations related to residential solar energy use, including the number of solar panels needed to power the average house and how many solar panels could fit on their own home or a local building.
Step 1 - Inquire: Students complete calculations to determine if the average American home could be powered using solar panels.
Step 2 - Investigate: Students explore the Google Project Sunroof site and use data on their home address to solve problems.
Step 3 - Inspire: Students discuss the benefits and drawbacks to using solar energy and explore equity issues related to the affordability of solar panels.
This PBS video shows how Klaus Lackner, a geophysicist at Columbia University, …
This PBS video shows how Klaus Lackner, a geophysicist at Columbia University, is trying to tackle the problem of rising atmospheric CO2 levels by using an idea inspired by his daughter's 8th-grade science fair project. The video examines the idea of pulling CO2 out of the atmosphere via a passive chemical process.
In this learning activity, students use a web-based carbon calculator to determine …
In this learning activity, students use a web-based carbon calculator to determine their carbon footprint on the basis of their personal and household habits and choices. Students identify which personal activities and household choices produce the most CO2 emissions, compare their carbon footprint to the U.S. and global averages, and identify lifestyle changes they can make to reduce their footprint.
This video features a short animated sequence that illustrates the difference between …
This video features a short animated sequence that illustrates the difference between young and old carbon released into the atmosphere from the consumption of food (young carbon) and the burning of fossil fuels (old carbon).
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