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Carbon Dioxide Absorbs Infrared Energy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-tx_EGAUkk

Paleontological Research Institution

This video concisely describes the way in which the absorption of infrared energy by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere controls the temperature of the planet.

Video length is 0:54.

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

  • Consider bringing a prism or other tools that will help students understand the concept of the light spectrum.

About the Content

  • This 1 minute video explains how CO2 in our atmosphere regulates the Earth's climate by absorbing the infrared wavelengths that the Earth emits.
  • This video is concise and requires a preliminary understanding of physics concepts like emission, absorption, wavelengths, and energy transfer.
  • Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.

About the Pedagogy

  • This resource would be helpful to show as part of an introductory lesson on the greenhouse effect.
  • There's a lot to unpack with students including absorption, reflection, and a general overview of the light spectrum. Students will need an understanding of these concepts to get the most from this video.
Entered the Collection: March 2025 | Last Reviewed: January 2025

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