Provided by: Paleontological Research Institution |Published on: April 27, 2021
Videos Grades 9-12
Synopsis
This short video explains the change in carbon dioxide levels in Earth's atmosphere using graphs and data from the Mauna Loa Observatory to demonstrate the trends in atmospheric carbon dioxide.
The narrator thoroughly explains seasonal variation in vegetation as an explanation for the saw tooth pattern, using NASA imaging to convey global vegetation patterns.
The video then concludes with increasing carbon dioxide levels being attributed to fossil fuel use and a recognition that the pace with which carbon dioxide is increasing in the atmosphere is speeding up.
The use of credible data and research is effective in describing the problem of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
The video is short but provides the basics of this concept in a scientific way, using a variety of visual data as evidence.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should be comfortable reading line graphs and describing trends in graphs.
Differentiation
Consider having students dig deeper into some of the data and graphs presented in the video. Teachers could print off some of the graphs and visual data to have students review before watching the video. Students could discuss their thoughts and observations of the data and formulate questions. Perhaps, then, the video would address their observations and questions.
Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) is a national leader in Earth systems science education. They strive to help make sense of the present and potential future climate change, while also increasing understanding of global change in Earth’s past. Their programs focus on systems thinking, understanding scale and learning in your own backyard.
Related Teaching Resources
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.