Essentials of Environmental Science: Understanding the Atmosphere

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Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences

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Provided by Hot Mess

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What it is

This video from Hot Mess explains the structure of the atmosphere and how human-caused air pollutants impact the global system.
Students will learn about the ozone layer, solar radiation, criteria pollutants, and EPA regulations.

Teaching tips

Positives

It displays graphs, diagrams, maps, and charts that teachers can pause on to provide a deeper understanding of the various topics covered in this video.
The video explains atmospheric problems like ozone depletion and criteria pollutants but also discusses solutions like the Montreal Protocol and the Clean Air Act.

Prerequisites

Students should have a basic understanding of chemical reactions before watching this video.
There is an error in the video about UVC wavelengths at 2:24, which is explained further in the description and the top pinned comment.

Differentiation & Implementation

Chemistry classes can use the pH level chart at 5:52 to learn about critical pH levels for various aquatic organisms.
Social studies classes can analyze the Montreal Protocol as an example of international cooperation to solve an environmental issue. The video and article How to Solve Every Global Crisis can provide additional insight into this topic.
Other resources related to this topic are Youth Climate Story: Air Pollution in Kansas and Trends in Atmospheric Nitrous Oxide.

From the scientist review

This resource is a 13-minute video that presents a comprehensive overview of atmospheric science. The composition of the atmosphere and some of its structure are introduced before discussing the ozone layer, solar radiation, pollution, environmental regulations, industrial pollutants, and other topics. This resource does not shy away from discussing complex topics, but it does a great job of explaining terminology and jargon while making the topic approachable. This resource is recommended for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences
Format: YouTube Video
Language: English
Location: Earth
Provider: Hot Mess
Authors: Hot Mess, PBS
Published: April 27, 2021
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · 1.8.3 + 6 more

Core

National Health Education Standards

1.8.3Analyze how the environment affects personal health.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

MS-ESS3-3.Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
MS-ESS3-4.Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.
MS-ESS3-5.Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.
MS-ESS3-D.Human activities, such as the release of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, are major factors in the current rise in Earth’s mean surface temperature (global warming). Reducing the level of climate change and reducing human vulnerability to whatever climate changes do occur depend on the understanding of climate science, engineering capabilities, and other kinds of knowledge, such as understanding of human behavior and on applying that knowledge wisely in decisions and activities. (MS-ESS3-5)

New Jersey Climate Education Hub

English Language Arts

SL.II.8.2Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.

Science

HS-ESS2-6.Develop a quantitative model to describe the cycling of carbon among the hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.

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