Digital Library for Earth System Education
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What Is Hydraulic Fracturing?
No full textHydraulic fracturing is a process used in nine out of 10 natural gas wells in the United States, where millions of gallons of water, sand and chemicals are pumped underground to break apart the rock and release the gas. Scientists are worried that the chemicals used in fracturing may pose a threat either underground or when waste fluids are handled and sometimes spilled on the surface. This poster presentation illustrates the under surface process of hydraulic fracking and the distribution flow to the market. Educational levels: Middle school, High school, General public, Intermediate elementary
The Role of Heat-Trapping Gases in Global Climate Change
No full textThis set of seven lessons can be used in a general high school chemistry curriculum to give a cursory understanding of the principles involved with climate change. Students will understand that scientific theories are proven to be true, confirmation bias plays a role in how we as humans perceive the world around us, increases in carbon dioxide are attributable to fossil fuel energy sources, heat-trapping gases have this property due to molecular structure and individuals can make a difference in the amount of carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere. Educational levels: Middle school, High school
Toward an Advanced Sounder on GOES?
No full textThis module uses recorded interviews from several satellite meteorologists and respected satellite experts to describe how a high spectral resolution infrared sounder in geostationary orbit would lead to significant improvements in mesoscale and severe weather forecasting and numerical weather prediction. Discussions focus on the currently unsatisfied need for an advanced sounder in geostationary orbit and the potential contributions this capability could provide. Educational levels: Graduate or professional
Precipitation Estimates, Part 2: Analysis
No full textThis is part two of a two-module series on estimation of observed precipitation. Through the use of rich illustrations, animations, and interactions, this module provides an introduction to the science behind successful application of the products and tools available through the NWS Multisensor Precipitation Estimator (MPE) software and related products. An overview is presented of the key fields available in MPE along with illustrations of their use. These include radar, gauge, satellite, bias-adjusted radar, and multisensor fields of precipitation accumulation along with data displays and tables used for evaluating and editing the data. Subsequently, methods for additional data editing with MPE's polygon editing tool are explained, as well as the selection of a best estimate. Finally, a case study section is offered to show how these methods have been applied in the field for a variety of events and locations. Educational levels: Graduate or professional
Monitoring the Climate System with Satellites
No full textThe international science community has identified a set of Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) that should be monitored for measuring the climate system, how it is changing, and its likely impact on future climate. Environmental satellites play an important role in this effort. They are uniquely positioned to provide broad, spatially consistent, and continuous global sampling of many of the ECVs. This module explores the benefits of monitoring the climate system with satellites. We begin by reviewing how satellites observe key atmospheric elements and features that are found in a variety of climate cycles and are important for studying long-term climate trends. From there, we explore events at the different scales (from seasonal to long-term) and the contributions that satellites make to improving our understanding, monitoring, and prediction of them. Finally, we discuss the challenges involved in monitoring climate with satellites. Among these is the need for continuous, stable, high-resolution, and validated measurements that are coordinated with the world’s satellite operators. Educational levels: Undergraduate upper division, Graduate or professional
Make a Microbe
No full textOcean FEST is a program of hands-on, ocean-themed science activities for students in grades 3-6 and/or their families. Our goals are to: (1) educate participants about ocean and earth science issues that are relevant to their communities; and (2) inspire students--especially those from underrepresented groups--to pursue careers in the ocean and earth sciences. In this activity, students are given arts and crafts materials to design and construct a microbe. The goal is to make a microbe that sinks very slowly through the water column. They also must protect their microbe from predators. Educational levels: Intermediate elementary, Middle school
An Oil Spill Professional Development Program for Educators
No full textThis resource supports the Oil Spill Professional Development program sponsored by the NOAA Office of Education. Information, presentations, and questions and answers support professional development for educators in regards to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Activities and lessons and additional relevant links are available. Educational levels: Primary elementary, Intermediate elementary, Middle school, High school
Dust For Kids
No full textThe purpose of this resource is to demonstrate and explain the sources, transport and hazards of dust in the atmosphere. Dust imagery is available to reflect the global impact of this phenomenon as well as customizable satellite data. Assessments, experiments and demonstrations assist to reinforce targeted concepts. Educational levels: Primary elementary, Intermediate elementary
New Evidence for Water Ice on Mercury
No full textPlanetary scientists have identified water ice and anomalously dark deposits within permanently shadowed regions at Mercury's north pole. This resource features data collected by NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft, which pinpoints extremely cold regions where ice has been found on or below the surface. Scientific illustrations and videos provide additional documentation and explanation regarding the new discovery. Educational levels: High school, General public, Middle school
The Amazon Rain Forest & Climate Change
No full textThis module discusses global climate change that is occurring largely because of greenhouse gases emitted by human activities, and in particular the impact that tropical deforestation plays in the climate system. It also covers signs of climate change, the current thinking on future changes, and international agreements that are attempting to minimize the effects of climate change. The United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (UN-REDD Programme) is also discussed. Educational levels: Middle school, High school, Undergraduate lower division