Debunking Cranky Uncle on the carbon cycle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2LG0jk_DyU&list=PL1xbdG-NAkB3Jg1iemNXT8W9wGHd53YY4&index=6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2LG0jk_DyU&list=PL1xbdG-NAkB3Jg1iemNXT8W9wGHd53YY4&index=6
John Cook
This video is 2:21 mins
Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»
See how this Video supports the Next Generation Science Standards»
Grade Level
Online Readiness
Topics
Climate Literacy
This Video builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.
Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.
Notes From Our Reviewers
The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness.
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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy |
Technical Details
Teaching Tips
- Teachers will need to provide educational structure to create a quality learning experience.
- Students should have some conceptual knowledge of climate change before viewing.
- Short and entertaining video--good for young audiences.
- It may be a good inter-topic transition tool on discussions of anthropogenic-driven climate change and science denialism, a discussion on the value of the scientific method and the peer-review process, used as a pause before a critical thinking exercise, or used as a tool when examining how climate change is depicted in the media and by climate deniers.
About the Content
- In this video, credit is given to Charles Keeling for collecting CO2 data.
- Background is provided on the connection between trees and seasonality of the Keeling Curve, and information about the large increase in CO2 emissions beginning with the industrial revolution.
- The video also describes the problem associated with "cherry picking" information.
- The cartoon tree "screams" when it absorbs CO2 in the spring, which can leave a negative impression when in fact the trees want and need CO2.
- Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
About the Pedagogy
- The video provides visual and auditory learning.
- The video is whimsical and will capture the attention of students; it is also short enough to hold their attention and engaging enough to inspire them to have a deeper discussion on denialism and/or simply digging deeper on their own.
- Teachers will need to provide educational structure to engage learners in deeper learning experiences.
- Cartoon scientist is portrayed as a woman.
Related URLs These related sites were noted by our reviewers but have not been reviewed by CLEAN
- There are 12 videos that are part of the Cranky Uncle climate communication and argumentation series: https://crankyuncle.com/
- These are based on a book by Dr. John Cook: http://crankyuncle.com/book
- Related resources include teacher's guide: https://crankyuncle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cranky_Teachers_Guide_v1.pdf
- See this full lesson on science information in the CLEAN Collection: https://cleanet.org/resources/56895.html
