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The Sun is the Primary Source of Energy for Earth’s Climate System

This study filters out variations in Earth’s energy budget due to feedback processes to show changes from aerosols (reflective particles in the atmosphere) and increases in the greenhouse effect caused by emissions of gases like carbon dioxide — the energy changes caused by humans.
Levels
  • Introductory (K-5)
  • Intermediate (6-8)
  • Advanced (9-12+)
Material Type
  • Activity/Hands-on
  • Article/Informative Text
  • Diagram/Illustration
  • Lesson Plan
Heliophysics Big Ideas
  • Big Idea 1.3 – The Sun’s energy drives Earth’s climate…
  • Big Idea 2.1 – Life on Earth has evolved with complex diversity…
NGSS
  • ESS1 - Earth's Place in the Universe
  • ESS2 - Earth's Systems
  • ESS3 - Earth and Human Activity
  • PS3 - Energy
Heliophysics Topics
  • Biosphere
  • Energy
  • Light
  • Atmosphere
  • Climate Change
  • Greenhouse Effect
  • Sun
Material Cost per Learner Free
Language English

Mixed Materials | Grades K-12+ | This diverse collection provides educational lesson plans, informative articles, and hands-on activities to integrate leveled climate science into classrooms. Educators can utilize these resources to teach Earth's energy budget and greenhouse effects, adapting materials to match student reading levels and abilities.

Credit: The Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN), a National Science Digital Library.

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