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Water Vapor Animation

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Earth Systems, Climate, Energy Cycle

Type:

Video

Audience:

Outreach, Informal, Formal, 9 - 12, 6 - 8

Standards:

ESS2.D

Keywords:

water vapor, clouds, heat, latent heat

Summary:

Water vapor - and with it energy - is carried around the globe by weather systems. This satellite image shows the distribution of water vapor over Africa and the Atlantic Ocean.

Earth System Science

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Hydrologic Cycle, Earth Systems, Societal Applications

Type:

Lesson Plan

Audience:

Formal, 6 - 8

Standards:

ESS2.A, ESS2.C

Keywords:

water vapor, clouds, heat, latent heat

Summary:

This unit will introduce you to many of the complex issues surrounding the Earth as a system and will help you to look at Earth in a new way—as a living system.

NASA Earth Science: Water Cycle

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Hydrologic Cycle, Earth Systems

Type:

Article

Audience:

Informal, Formal, 9 - 12, 6 - 8

Standards:

ESS2.A, ESS2.C

Keywords:

circulation, oceans, salinity, water vapor, groundwater

Summary:

This article explains the basics behind the water cycle and includes many good visuals. It provides some good background information about our water cycle as well as providing students with many real-world applications.

NASA Our World: What is Weather

Primary Topic:

Weather and Climate

Subtopics:

Earth Systems, Weather

Type:

Video

Audience:

Informal, Formal, K - 5

Standards:

ESS2.A, ESS2.D

Keywords:

climate zones, air pressure, latent heat

Summary:

This NASA video segment focuses on the relationship between weather and climate. Learn how heat, air pressure, winds and moisture work together to produce local weather.

Where do Hurricanes get their Energy?

Primary Topic:

Societal Applications

Subtopics:

Weather and Climate, Tropical Cyclones, Energy Cycle

Type:

Video

Audience:

Informal, Formal, 9 - 12, 6 - 8

Standards:

ESS2.D, ESS3.B, ETS2.A

Keywords:

extreme weather, hurricanes, tropical cyclones, satellites, latent heat

Summary:

How do hurricanes get their energy? NASA hurricane scientist Dr. Jeff Halverson explains how hurricanes draw energy from the ocean surface.

Investigating the Climate System: Energy Cycle

Primary Topic:

Weather and Climate

Subtopics:

Hydrologic Cycle, Earth Systems, Energy Cycle

Type:

Lesson Plan

Audience:

Formal, 6 - 8

Standards:

ESS2.C

Keywords:

convection, greenhouse gasses, radiate, latent heat, albedo

Summary:

A downloadable PDF lesson plan which explores Earth's energy cycle.

Earth Observatory Water Cycle Overview

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Hydrologic Cycle, Water Properties, Societal Applications

Type:

Article

Audience:

Outreach, Informal, General

Standards:

ESS2.C

Keywords:

water vapor, freshwater, oceans, water distribution

Summary:

Water is a vital substance that sets the Earth apart from the rest of the planets in our solar system. In particular, water appears to be a necessary ingredient for the development and nourishment of life.