Earth's Energy Flows and Climate
Activity - Classroom
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Physics, Earth and Space Sciences
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by PBS
What it is
- This interactive resource lets students explore the flows of energy in three regions: tropical island, high desert, and Arctic tundra, as well as at the global level, to understand how the increased greenhouse effect causes global warming.
- Students learn about heat transfer types (convection, conduction, and radiation) and how Earth's energy balance relates to greenhouse gases.
Teaching tips
Classroom Implementation:
- Use this interactive to relate prior knowledge of heat transfer types at the beginning of a climate change or Earth systems unit.
- Conduct a check for understanding by having students match Earth climate descriptors with balance states ("energy in > energy out," "energy in < energy out," and "energy in = energy out").
- Discuss differences in daytime and nighttime warming and energy flow and why the greenhouse effect still takes place without direct sunlight.
Misconceptions:
- The interactive does not differentiate between the natural greenhouse effect, which keeps Earth habitable, and the enhanced greenhouse effect, which intensifies that effect beyond its natural balance.
- The interactive does explain the difference between global warming and climate change; a check for understanding of this distinction is recommended.
Related Resources:
- Use this energy balance lab to demonstrate the greenhouse gas effect using plastic bottles with different gases and thermometers.
- Use this chemistry lesson to dive deeper into the properties of different molecules that cause them to have warming potential in our atmosphere.
From the scientist review
This interactive resource presents energy flows in several biomes to illustrate global climate change. The difference between global warming and climate change is addressed, clearing up potential misunderstandings. In addition, heat flow maps are included for day and night, showing that the greenhouse effect is still important even when the sun is not shining. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Ready to use it?
Hosted on ny.pbslearningmedia.org
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
