SUMMARY

These are short videos from the National Science Foundation which explain the Earth's heat distribution and balance and factors that are important for this phenomenon. In addition to general ideas on this topic, the videos also relate how these processes are connected to recent climate changes.

GOALS

• Students will understand energy flow and its distribution on the Earth.
• Students will learn how the concentration of carbon dioxide is measured in the atmosphere and how this gas is important in the heat balance of the atmosphere.
• Students will learn about the phnomenon behind clouds in warming or cooling of the Earth, and why they are important factors in climate.

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION AND TEACHING MATERIALS

Each of these videos can be viewed by clicking on the play button. If you click on the video image it will fill the screen.

How does the sun's energy get into the climate system?

How does heat get distributed around the world?

How are scientists monitoring carbon dioxide around the globe?

What role do clouds play in warming or cooling the earth?

TEACHING NOTES / CONTEXT FOR USE

These videos can be used in any class where Earth's heat exchange or process are being discussed. As a part of introduction to these topic it could be a real way to start the topic.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

This lesson is a combination of several NSF videos on the heat balance of the Earth.