Introduction to Climate Change

Videos

GradesK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5Science

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by Earth Warriors

Open Resource

What it is

This animated video from Earth Warriors explains the cause and effects of climate change in simple terms.
Students will learn about small things that they can do to help fight climate change.

Teaching tips

Positives

This video makes it easy for young students to understand climate change.
Text appears at the bottom of the screen, giving the video a picture book quality.

Prerequisites

Ads may play before the video.
Teachers with younger students may want to go over the terms oil, coal, carbon, fuel, and energy before showing the video.

Differentiation & Implementation

Students can draw a picture or write a paragraph to explain how burning coal and oil cause the gases around the earth to trap too much heat.
Science classes can discuss how fossil fuels are created using this digital book.
Other resources on this topic include this lesson and activity on the difference between climate and weather, this SubjectToClimate Earth Day Classroom Theme Pack, and this activity on planting trees.

From the scientist review

This video presents the concept of the greenhouse effect and the need to limit CO2 emissions from man-made activities. There are no misconceptions in the resource. Therefore, it is recommended for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Subjects: Science
Format: YouTube Video
Language: English
Location: Earth
Provider: Earth Warriors
Authors: Earth Warriors
Published: April 27, 2021
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · K-ESS3-1. + 11 more

Core

Core Standards legacy

K-ESS3-1.K-ESS3-1. Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.
K-ESS3-3.K-ESS3-3. Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.
4-ESS3-1.4-ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and that their uses affect the environment.
5-ESS3-1.5-ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
5-ESS2-1.5-ESS2-1. Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.
D4.7.K-2D4.7.K-2 Identify ways to take action to help address local, regional, and global problems.
D4.7.3-5D4.7.3-5 Explain different strategies and approaches students and others could take in working alone and together to address local, regional, and global problems, and predict possible results of their actions.

New Jersey Climate Education Hub

New Jersey Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

K-ESS3-1.K-ESS3-1. Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.
K-ESS3-3.K-ESS3-3. Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of climate change and humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.
4-ESS3-1.4-ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and that their uses affect the environment.
5-ESS2-1.5-ESS2-1. Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.
5-ESS3-1.5-ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.

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