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What’s the Deal with Methane?

Provided by: The Kid Should See This|Published on: June 25, 2026

Videos

6-AP

Synopsis

This 2-minute video explains what methane is, the major human sources of methane, and why reducing it matters for climate change.
Students learn about key differences between methane and carbon dioxide as greenhouse gases and understand why targeting methane can quickly mitigate the impacts of climate change.

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Subjects: Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences

Authors: UN Environment Programme

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Prerequisites:

Students should already know that carbon dioxide emissions enhance the greenhouse effect, causing climate change.

Classroom Implementation:

Use this short video to introduce other greenhouse gases when teaching the causes of climate change, then have students compare methane and carbon dioxide in terms of source, heat-trapping strength, and how long each remains in the atmosphere.
After viewing, ask students to map the three major human sources of methane (energy, agriculture, and waste) to actions individuals, communities, or governments could take to reduce emissions from each.
Too deepen students' understanding of chemical properties, discuss how carbon dioxide and methane's molecular structures play a role in their potency and lifespan.

Extensions:

Use this article to dive deeper into the Paris Agreement and nationally determined contributions (NDCs), as mentioned at the end of the video.
Have students explore methane emissions data by sector using this interactive graph.
Have students use evidence from the video to construct a claim about why reducing methane is often described as a comparatively fast and cost-effective climate strategy.

Scientist Notes

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Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

The Kid Should See This

The Kid Should See This is a Webby award-winning collection of over 7,000 kid-friendly videos, curated for teachers and parents who want to share smarter, more meaningful media in the classroom and at home. Selections are grown-up-friendly, too. And thanks to TKSST members, it’s free and ad-free for everyone. Start conversations, spark questions, and inspire offline exploration for all ages.

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What’s the Deal with Methane?

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

About the Partner Provider

Related Teaching Resources