Browse Formal Resources

The Thermohaline Circulation - The Great Ocean Conveyor Belt

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Water Properties, Earth Systems, Energy Cycle

Type:

Video

Audience:

Informal, Formal, 9 - 12, 6 - 8

Standards:

ESS2.C

Keywords:

ocean, density, salinity, ocean temperature, ocean circulation, thermohaline, ocean currents

Summary:

The oceans are mostly composed of warm salty water near the surface over cold, less salty water in the ocean depths. These two regions don't mix except in certain special areas, which creates a large slow current called the thermohaline circulation.

NASA Scientists Research Global Precipitation

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Precipitation, Climate, Remote Sensing, Data

Type:

Video

Audience:

Outreach, Informal, Formal, General

Standards:

ESS2.C, ETS2.A

Keywords:

infrared, microwave, circulation, climatology, GPCP

Summary:

This animation of global precipitation from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) cycles through climatology data for each month of the year and then repeats the cycle twice.

Aquarius Ocean Circulation

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Water Properties, Weather and Climate, Climate, Satellites, Remote Sensing

Type:

Video

Audience:

Informal, Formal, General

Standards:

ESS2.A, ESS2.D, ESS3.D

Keywords:

ocean currents, density, energy cycle, salinity, ocean temperature, climate change, wind

Summary:

Ocean circulation plays a key role in distributing solar energy and maintaining climate, by moving heat from Earth's equator to the poles. Aquarius salinity data, combined with data from other sensors, will give us a clearer picture of how the ocean works

Components of the Water Cycle on a Flat Map

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Hydrologic Cycle, Precipitation, Earth Systems, Weather and Climate, Energy Cycle

Type:

Video

Audience:

Outreach, Informal, Formal, General

Standards:

ESS2.A, ESS2.C

Keywords:

evaporation, sea surface temperature, water vapor, atmosphere

Summary:

The process by which water moves around the earth, from the ocean, to the atmosphere, to the land and back to the ocean is called the water cycle. These animations each portray a component of the water cycle.

Satellite Meteorology Learning Modules

Primary Topic:

Technology

Subtopics:

Weather and Climate, Satellites, Societal Applications, Forecasting

Type:

Website

Audience:

Informal, Formal, 9 - 12, 6 - 8

Keywords:

meteorology, electromagnetic radiation, clouds, NPP, GOES, winds

Standards:

ESS2.C, ESS2.D, ESS3.B, ESS3.C, ETS2.A, ETS2.B

Summary:

Satellite Meteorology learning modules provide scientists and educators with exciting activities and hands-on tools for investigation, inquiry, analysis and stewardship.

Our World: Monitoring the Earth's Climate with CERES

Primary Topic:

Weather and Climate

Subtopics:

Climate, Technology, Satellites, Remote Sensing

Type:

Video

Audience:

Informal, Formal, 6 - 8, K - 5

Standards:

ESS2.D, ETS2.A

Keywords:

clouds, CERES, atmosphere, radiation budget, energy budget

Summary:

Learn how scientists use a satellite called CERES to study the clouds and monitor Earth's climate changes.

Components of the Water Cycle

Primary Topic:

Water Cycle

Subtopics:

Hydrologic Cycle, Precipitation, Earth Systems, Energy Cycle

Type:

Video

Audience:

Outreach, Informal, Formal, General

Standards:

ESS2.A, ESS2.C

Keywords:

evaporation, sea surface temperature, water vapor, atmosphere

Summary:

The process by which water moves around the earth, from the ocean, to the atmosphere, to the land and back to the ocean is called the water cycle. These animations each portray a component of the water cycle.