Global Atmospheric Change
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Physical Science (visible light, spectrum, electromagnetic radiation, combustion, fossil fuels, carbon cycle, atmosphere, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide); Life Science (respiration, UV light, protecting skin, skin cancer, food as fuel); Environmental Science and Health (using energy, global warming, climate change, solar energy, greenhouse gas, greenhouse effect)
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Fossil Fuels and the Carbon Cycle
Lesson
Students learn how geologists locate fossil fuels by using a straw to extract "core samples" from a model that has different layers.
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Earth's Energy Sources (pre-assessment)
Lesson
Students take a pre-assessment to gauge their knowledge of climate change, the atmosphere and carbon cycle, skin cancer, and human health.
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Rainbow in the Room
Lesson
Students learn about colors, prisms, and light, and draw their own rainbows in the proper color sequence.
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Modeling Earth's Atmosphere
Lesson
Students create a 3-m scale model of the atmosphere to learn about its composition and structure.
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Finding the Carbon in Sugar
Lesson
Students learn about combustion and energy by observing (1) a candle burn within a sealed jar, and (2) the burning of white sugar.
Grades: K-2 -
Fuel for Living Things
Lesson
Students observe and discuss what happens when yeast cells are provided with a source of food (sugar).
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Measuring and Protecting Skin
Lesson
Students compare and contrast their own skin (including its surface area) with that of an orange.
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Using Heat from the Sun
Lesson
Students conduct a discovery activity that allows them to observe how energy from sunlight can heat water.
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Greenhouse S'Mores
Lesson
Students learn about the greenhouse effect by observing the reflective or heat-trapping qualities of different materials.
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People and Climate
Lesson
Students learn about Earth’s major climate types, how climate affects people's lifestyles, and impacts of climate change.
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Everyone Counts (post-assessment)
Lesson
Students review ideas covered in the Global Atmospheric Change unit, write persuasive letters, and revise their pre-assessments, as needed.