Carbon Dioxide Absorbs IR Energy: An Art and Science Climate Change Collaboration

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Carbon Dioxide Absorbs IR Energy: An Art and Science Climate Change Collaboration
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0whyoyNYUrk

Paleontological Research Institution

This video focuses on two experiments with two different wavelengths of light--visible and infrared--to better understand some of the basic processes responsible for the temperature of the atmosphere. The science is framed through the lens of looking at how painters work with light.

Video length is 11:28

Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»

See how this Video supports the Next Generation Science Standards»

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Middle School

Disciplinary Core Ideas: 6

MS-PS4.B1: When light shines on an object, it is reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through the object, depending on the object’s material and the frequency (color) of the light.

MS-PS4.B3: A wave model of light is useful for explaining brightness, color, and the frequency-dependent bending of light at a surface between media.

MS-PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation

MS-PS4: Waves and their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer

Middle School:

Physical Sciences:

Science and Engineering Practices: 5

Developing and Using Models, Analyzing and Interpreting Data

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High School

Disciplinary Core Ideas: 5

HS-PS4.B2: When light or longer wavelength electromagnetic radiation is absorbed in matter, it is generally converted into thermal energy (heat). Shorter wavelength electromagnetic radiation (ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays) can ionize atoms and cause damage to living cells

HS-PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation

HS-PS4: Waves and their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer

High School:

Physical Sciences:

Science and Engineering Practices: 2

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

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Grade Level

Climate Literacy.

Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.

Energy Literacy

This Video builds on the following concepts of Energy Literacy.

Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.

Physical processes on Earth are the result of energy flow

Notes From Our Reviewers The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials
Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy | Technical Details

Teaching Tips

If resources are available and time allows, have students repeat the experiments shown in the video to see the results for themselves.
See the how-to video that accompanies this video if you plan to repeat the experiments.
Note that you may need additional tools to recreate this experiment, however, the experiments as seen in the video are a great example if you don't have time and resources to conduct them as a class.

About the Content

By considering the techniques of different painters and how they worked with light and introducing two experiments to learn more about absorption and reflection, this video does a great job of introducing how and why the greenhouse effect keeps the earth warm.
This resource presents robust science in a very clear and fun way.
Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.

About the Pedagogy

This is a great science-focused video that will help students better understand light, wavelengths, and why our infrared light is absorbed by our atmosphere.
Consider pausing the video to check for comprehension as new concepts, ideas, and vocabulary are introduced.
This resource could serve as a really useful introduction to a unit on the nature of light and how waves function.
With the framing based on how painters use light in their work, this video could also be show in an art class or used in a collaboration between a science and art class.

Entered the Collection: April 2025 | Last Reviewed: January 2025

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Middle School (see details)