The current concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere is over 400 parts per million. This video explains what one part per million (ppm) is, and what impact a trace gas – or any trace component in the environment – has on the system as a whole. Engaging with lots of visuals and examples helps viewers understand the concept of parts per million and parts per billion. Examples are relatable through the five senses.
MS-ESS3.D1: Human activities, such as the release of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, are major factors in the current rise in Earth’s mean surface temperature (global warming). Reducing the level of climate change and reducing human vulnerability to whatever climate changes do occur depend on the understanding of climate science, engineering capabilities, and other kinds of knowledge, such as understanding of human behavior and on applying that knowledge wisely in decisions and activities.
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
This video describes how small amounts of carbon dioxide can have a large impact on the climate. However, it mostly focuses on the magnitude of trace substances and how students can visualize those small amounts.
This video may be good for use in a math classroom to describe different levels of magnitudes.
About the Content
This video describes the greenhouse effect in terms of how small amounts of carbon dioxide can have a large effect on the climate. They define a trace gas, and use various methods to help students understand and visualize the concentration of carbon dioxide.
They also discuss how trace gases can have large impacts by comparing with other examples of trace materials.
Finally they describe the greenhouse effect and how it impacts climate change.
See how this Video supports the Next Generation Science Standards»