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Geographical Influences

Primary Topic:

Weather and Climate

Subtopics:

Precipitation, Climate, Data

Type:

Lesson Plan

Audience:

Formal, 6 - 8

Standards:

ESS2.D

Keywords:

geography, mountains, rain shadow, climatogram, elevation

Summary:

Students will compare temperature and precipitation graphs for various U.S. locations to look for patterns in geographical influence on climate, then collect data for a location of their choice and create their own climatogram.

Earth's Water Cycle

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Hydrologic Cycle, Precipitation, Weather and Climate

Type:

Video

Audience:

Informal, 6 - 8, General

Standards:

ESS2.C, ESS2.D, ETS2.A, ETS2.B

Keywords:

freshwater, evaporation, condensation

Summary:

This animation uses Earth science data from a variety of sensors on NASA Earth observing satellites as well as cartoons to describe Earth's water cycle and the continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the Earth.

Global Energy Budget

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Earth Systems, Climate, Energy Cycle

Type:

Lesson Plan

Audience:

Formal, 6 - 8

Standards:

ESS2.D

Keywords:

energy budget, albedo, reflection, absorption, radiation, unequal heating

Summary:

In this lesson, students will explore (through labs, videos, and a simulation) how energy from the sun is absorbed, reflected and radiated back out into space as part of the Earth’s energy budget.

Global Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet

Imagery of climate change including wildfires, dry land, and a hurricane from space

Primary Topic:

Weather and Climate

Subtopics:

Climate, Human Impact, Societal Applications

Type:

Website

Audience:

Outreach, Informal, Formal

Keywords:

climate change, greenhouse gases, sea level

Standards:

ESS3.C, ESS3.D

Summary:

View the latest data on the vital signs of the planet, including arctic sea ice levels, carbon dioxide, sea levels, global temperature and land ice.

Evaporation Investigation

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Type:

Lesson Plan

Audience:

Formal

Keywords:

evaporation, condensation, precipitation, transpiration, ice, liquid, gas, phases

Summary:

This lesson is primarily for elementary school teachers who are looking for a hands-on inquiry based activity to teach their students about evaporation.

Water in the Geosphere

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Hydrologic Cycle, Earth Systems

Type:

Lesson Plan

Audience:

Informal, Formal, 6 - 8, K - 5

Standards:

ESS2.A, ESS2.C

Keywords:

geosphere, soil, abiotic

Summary:

This lesson helps students learn about the geosphere by making observations and collecting data.

A Tour of the Cryosphere 2009

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Hydrologic Cycle, Earth Systems, Weather and Climate, Energy Cycle

Type:

Video

Audience:

Informal, Formal, 9 - 12, 6 - 8

Standards:

ESS2.A, ESS2.C

Keywords:

cryosphere, ice, permafrost, sea ice, ocean currents, glaciers, satellites

Summary:

The cryosphere consists of those parts of the Earth's surface where water is found in solid form, including areas of snow, sea ice, glaciers, permafrost, ice sheets, and icebergs. This animation shows fluctuations in the cryosphere.

Water in the Atmosphere

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Hydrologic Cycle, Precipitation, Earth Systems

Type:

Lesson Plan

Audience:

Informal, Formal, 6 - 8, K - 5

Standards:

ESS2.A, ESS2.C

Keywords:

atmosphere, clouds, rainfall, humidity

Summary:

This lesson helps students learn about the atmosphere by making observations and taking measurements.

Observing Monsoon Weather Patterns with TRMM Data

Primary Topic:

Technology

Subtopics:

Precipitation, Weather and Climate, Weather, Satellites, Remote Sensing, Data

Type:

Lesson Plan

Audience:

Formal, 6 - 8

Standards:

ESS2.D

Keywords:

monsoon, seasonal winds, seasons, India, TRMM, precipitation patterns

Summary:

Students will learn about measuring precipitation on the ground and using satellites, and use satellite data to analyze the reason for the monsoon weather pattern in India.