How to Visualize One Part Per Million
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Provided by: TED-Ed|Published on: April 27, 2021
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Synopsis
- This video from TED-Ed shows nine ways students can visualize measurements in parts per million, considering it is not inherently simple to conceptualize.

Subjects: Chemistry, Mathematics, Visual and Performing Arts
Authors: Kim Preshoff, TED-Ed
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The video was created with the help of over 100 animators to create visualizations of one part per million.
- The examples used are engaging, relatable, and varied which can make it more accessible to different styles of learning.
- The video webpage includes eight "Think" questions, a "Dig Deeper" section with additional resources, and a "Discuss" section with a guided prompt for discussion.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should know what types of things we measure using parts per million, particularly greenhouse gas concentrations.
- Students should understand that even though one part per million seems small, even low levels of toxic substances are dangerous.
- You must sign into the website to use the interactive features.
Differentiation
- Students can create their own analogies to visualize one part per million.
- Students in math classes can convert units using parts per million.
- Students can write an analysis of why they think it is difficult for humans to conceptualize parts per million and relate it to why humans have a hard time conceptualizing long periods of time (like the 4.6 billion years of Earth's history).
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
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Resource Type and Format
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