SUMMARY

Content Source: CLEAN

Selected for the CLEAN Collection.

This video examines the thawing of permafrost due to changes in climate and shows examples of the impacts that warming temperatures have on permafrost in the Arctic, including the release of the greenhouse gas methane. Dramatic results are shown, including sink holes forming on the landscape and beneath buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, causing some communities to relocate.

GOALS

Following suggestions are by CLEAN reviewers:

• Use in a carbon cycle or climate change science unit.
• Great for a middle school geography unit.
• A related lesson plan is available: http://www.windows2universe.org/teacher_resources/permafrost_gas_leak.html

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION AND TEACHING MATERIALS

Watch >> Changing Planet:  Thawing Permafrost and Methane

Printable  >> Discussion Questions

TEACHING NOTES / CONTEXT FOR USE

CLEAN reviewers comments about this resource:

About the Science:

• The video reviews the impacts of warming temperatures on the thawing of permafrost in the Arctic with potential release of the greenhouse gas methane. In addition, thawing permafrost damages the infrastructure of communities and facilities at high latitudes.
• Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.

About the Pedagogy

• There is a lesson for grades 5-9 that accompanies the video.
• This video is content-rich with excellent visuals.
• Engaging video - things explode

Technical Details/Ease of Use

• Quality of video itself is good. There is slight graininess when viewed at full-screen.
• The video can be embedded.
• Ads are very distracting on edges of page - may want to consider this when displaying it to the class.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment is at the discretion of the educator and how this video is applied.