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Direct Evidence Tells Us Why Earth is Warming

Provided by: Paleontological Research Institution |Published on: May 1, 2025

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Synopsis

In this video from the Paleontological Research Institution, students learn that Earth is warming due to high levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and that the main cause of this is burning fossil fuels.
The video (17:41 minutes) walks through the direct evidence for how we know burning fossil fuels is the main source of climate change, discussing common misconceptions along the way.
The video ends with discussing decarbonization and asking the audience to consider making a change.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences

Authors: Paleontological Research Institution

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

The video is a good introduction to the science of climate change for students.
The video has many images and figures that make this complex topic easier to understand.
The video addresses common misconceptions with care and presents facts in a calm and matter-of-fact way.

Prerequisites

It can be helpful if students are familiar with isotopes, including the concept of a half-life.
It can be helpful if students are familiar with the general equation for a combustion reaction and, therefore, why burning fossil fuels would release carbon dioxide.
To learn more about the greenhouse effect, this resource can be used.
To learn about the role of the ocean in the carbon cycle, this lab can be used.

Differentiation & Implementation

It is recommended to pause the video at the following times to check for understanding: 2:12, 4:43, 6:12, 9:17, 13:04, 16:34.
Teachers can use this resource to extend the conversation about climate models.
After discussing decarbonization, teachers can begin a lesson or conversation about renewable energy. Teachers can use this resource to help with this topic.
Follow up this video with a discussion about solutions to climate change with Science Lesson: En-ROADS Climate Change Solutions.
Students can use these lessons to continue working with climate change data.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

Paleontological Research Institution

Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) is a national leader in Earth systems science education. They strive to help make sense of the present and potential future climate change, while also increasing understanding of global change in Earth’s past. Their programs focus on systems thinking, understanding scale and learning in your own backyard.

Related Teaching Resources

All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.