GPM Original Resources

This is a collection of all of the original videos and educational resources that have been developed by the GPM staff.

Measuring Precipitation

Measuring Precipitation - picture of rain gauge
Primary Topic: 
Water Cycle
Subtopics: 
Precipitation
Type: 
Lesson Plan
Audience: 
Informal, Formal, 6 - 8, K - 5
Standards: 
ETS2.A
Keywords: 
rainfall, rain gauges, engineering, measurement
Summary: 
This inquiry-based lesson engages students in designing and testing a device to measure rain.

Global Energy Budget

Primary Topic: 
Water Cycle
Subtopics: 
Earth Systems, Climate, Energy Cycle
Type: 
Lesson Plan
Audience: 
Formal, 6 - 8
Standards: 
ESS2.D
Keywords: 
energy budget, albedo, reflection, absorption, radiation, unequal heating
Summary: 
In this lesson, students will explore (through labs, videos, and a simulation) how energy from the sun is absorbed, reflected and radiated back out into space as part of the Earth’s energy budget.

Water in the Atmosphere

Photo of clouds in the atmosphere.
Primary Topic: 
Water Cycle
Subtopics: 
Hydrologic Cycle, Precipitation, Earth Systems
Type: 
Lesson Plan
Audience: 
Informal, Formal, 6 - 8, K - 5
Standards: 
ESS2.A, ESS2.C
Keywords: 
atmosphere, clouds, rainfall, humidity
Summary: 
This lesson helps students learn about the atmosphere by making observations and taking measurements.

Freshwater Availability Classroom Activity

Graph showing the distribution of Earth's freshwater resources
Primary Topic: 
Societal Applications
Subtopics: 
Water & Life, Remote Sensing, Freshwater Resources, World Health
Type: 
Lesson Plan
Audience: 
Formal, 9 - 12, 6 - 8, K - 5
Standards: 
ESS3.A, ETS2.B
Keywords: 
groundwater, glaciers, saline, blue marble
Summary: 
This classroom activity (originally developed for the GPM Poster) will teach students about the value of Earth's freshwater resources and how important it is to study how water is transferred and stored.

Pages