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This video explains how scientists construct computer-generated climate models to forecast weather, understand climate, and project climate change. It discusses how different types of climate models can be used and how scientists use computers to build these models.

Video length is 3:41 min.

Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»


Notes From Our Reviewers The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials
Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy | Technical Details

Teaching Tips

  • Use as an introduction to what climate models are and how they are used.
  • See additional teaching tips provided with resource.

About the Content

  • Animations depict the way scientists divide the globe into a three-dimensional grid with many layers reaching up into the atmosphere, to capture many types of information.
  • Provides an excellent beginner's introduction to climate models. The content is good, but it is not visually interesting.
  • Comments from science expert: Overall, this resource is mostly accurate.
    Suggestions:
    - The terms "model or simulate" will not be clear to this audience. I recommend defining these terms.
    - "They begin by drawing a grid across the surface. This divides Earth into squares". The word "squares" is misleading. I think this is referring to columns on which the equations are solved. My understanding is that the equations are solved within each column, not at the corners.
    - More visuals showing how climate models are run (e.g., big computers) or what their outputs produce and how realistic they can look when compared to satellite imagery would be really helpful/useful.

About the Pedagogy

  • A background essay, teaching tips, and a link to standards are provided.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

  • When viewed online in full-screen mode, the image is pixilated.
Entered the Collection: March 2019 Last Reviewed: September 2014

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