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About Teaching Climate Literacy
Other materials addressing 2d
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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy |
- This is a two-minute video with simplistic graphics, which might be best suited for an introductory lesson for middle or high school students unfamiliar with the impact of C02 and global warming. It might also be used towards the end of a unit as a reinforcement or review of basic concepts.
- Potential misconceptions could be generated by the animation with the use of the blanket analogy for greenhouse effect and the lack of appropriate scale.
About the Science
- Video makes the point that young carbon is reabsorbed by the biosphere and hydrosphere faster than old carbon, which accumulates in the atmosphere and contributes to the greenhouse effect.
- Potential misconceptions could be generated by the simplicity of the animation and lack of appropriate scale.
- Comments from expert scientist: This video tackles a tricky concept: the natural carbon cycle vs. the perturbed carbon cycle. The video does an excellent job describing an aspect of the natural carbon cycle, i.e., CO2 uptake by the biosphere and emission back to the atmosphere through respiration.
About the Pedagogy
- Engaging animated format appropriate for younger audiences. Features one NASA scientist.
- Links provided within the video would require educator to more specifically align other materials to the video, which may broaden the content and discussion.
- Students should be aware of the simplicity of the video and explore the short term and long term carbon cycling in the environment.
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