We've Ignored Climate Change for More Than a Century
Videos
Grades7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Earth and Space Sciences, History
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 Hot Mess
What it is
- This video presents a succinct history of climate science over the last 200 years.
- The video explains multiple reasons why humans find it difficult to act on climate change.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The video incorporates music, imagery, and text to ensure student engagement.
- The video poses ideas that could be used as interesting discussion points.
Prerequisites
- There is an advertisement at the end of the video. The content finishes at 4 minutes, 38 seconds.
- Students will benefit from understanding the term climate change before watching the video.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Elementary science teachers could use this video as a hook, then use the resource Meet the Greenhouse Gases to continue learning about greenhouse gases.
- Middle school teachers could use the video as a hook, then use the resource Greenhouse Gases: A Closer Look to further explore greenhouse gases and the interactive Understanding Global Change, to test their knowledge.
- Civics teachers could use this video when exploring ways students can create change. After the video, teachers could use the resources Personal Action or Climate: What Can We Change? to further explore these ideas.
From the scientist review
It is well known in academic circles that scientists have understood the physics behind climate change for more than a century. This resource video from PBS explores how long we've known, and why it is difficult for people to take action. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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