One of Earth's vital signs, the extent of sea ice cover in the Arctic, is examined. An image and accompanying text describe the extent and consequences of the reduction in that sea ice. This article is part of the Climate Kids website, a NASA education resource featuring articles, videos, images and games focused on the science of climate change.

This video segment adapted from NOVA describes the emergence of life on the islands of Hawaii from a barren volcanic platform under the ocean waves to the rich explosion of life that covers the many climate zones of the islands today.

This video adapted from KTOO explores the impact of oil contamination on the herring population of Prince William Sound, Alaska, in 1999, 10 years after the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

To achieve food security in a changing climate, the global community must operate within three limits: the quantity of food that can be produced under a given climate; the quantity needed by a growing and changing population; and the effect of food production on the climate. At present the planet operates outside that safe space, as witnessed by the enormous number of people who are undernourished. If current trends in population growth, diets, crop yields and climate change continue, the world will still be outside this ̢ĺŰĺ÷safe operating space̢ĺŰĺŞ in 2050. Humanity must urgently work to enlarge the safe space and also move the planet into the safe space (film credit: Commission on Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change, an initiative of the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with University of Minnesota Global Landscapes Initiative).

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Active learning modules to help students understand the role of cover crop species selection and design of mixed species cover crop plantings on multiple ecosystem services. Our current goal is to integrate lessons-learned from 8 years of research and extension activities into undergraduate education modules that can be widely distributed. Students completing these modules would be able to describe why cover crops are used, how different species of cover crop affect an array of ecosystem functions, how mixtures can be used to increase the multifunctionality of cover cropping systems, and factors that control mixture growth across sites. If the modules are delivered in the following order then these concepts build sequentially.

This video segment from Nature takes viewers to a road race in Death Valley.

Using a household fan, cardboard box and paper towels, student teams design and build their own evaporative cooler prototype devices. They learn about the process that cools water during the evaporation of water. They make calculations to determine a room's cooling load, and thus determine the swamp cooler size. This activity adds to students' understanding of the behind-the-scenes mechanical devices that condition and move air within homes and buildings for human health and comfort.

 Plant Deficiencies Grade Level:8th-9thSubject: Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural ResourcesDuration: 50 minutesDOK Level: 2SAMR Level: Substitution Indiana Standard: IAFNR-4.2 Prepare a plant management plan that addresses environmental factors, nutrients and soil on plant growth Objective: Students will know the definition of deficiency, nutrient, toxicity, macro nutrients, micro nutrients and identify the plant deficiencies from pictures.Essential Question: What is the impact on deficiencies on plants?Procedure: Show the picture of a normal crop and a crop deficient in nitrogenAsk the students to predict what caused the change in the crops.Have the students create a flip book for the deficienciesTell the students to draw a picture that will help them remember the deficiencies symptomsGive the presentation called Plant Deficiencies Play around the world with the deficiencies picturesHave the students write down two things learned from today’s lecture.Product or Assessment: Students will be evaluated in class. They will be given three pictures to identify. Each picture will be worth 3 points.

Observe the Nisqually Glacier at Mount Rainier in this video segment from NatureScene.

Many factors influence the success and survival rate of a population of living things. Explore several factors that can determine the survival of a population of sheep in this NetLogo model. Start with a model of unlimited grass available to the sheep and watch what happens to the sheep population! Next try to keep the population under control by removing sheep periodically. Change the birthrate, grass regrowth rate, and the amount of energy rabbits get from the grass to keep a stable population.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Identify chemical diversity benefits to humansIdentify biodiversity components that support human agricultureDescribe ecosystem services

The portfolio-based assessment design plan centered around farming tools and equipment offers a comprehensive and practical approach to evaluate students' mastery of the topic. The lesson focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for proficient and safe utilization of various tools in the agricultural domain. The design plan incorporates a range of assessment methods, including written reflections, explainations, and video demonstrations, to encourage students to showcase their understanding and application of concepts. By compiling a portfolio of their work, students have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to identify, select, and properly use farming tools and equipment for specific tasks. This design plan fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter while also promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary for success in the field of agriculture.

In this video segment from NatureScene, observe dragonflies and mayflies near Cedar Creek at Congaree Swamp National Park.

This lesson is an introduction to a unit on habitat. It is designed to combine literature and science.

This activity is a classroom chemistry lab where students will test different cleaning methods that could be used in oil spills. They will see the effects how oil spills damage animals and the environment.

This activity is a field activity where students will perform various water quality tests to determine the types of organisms that live in a local pond and stream, and the characteristics that those aquatic environments seem to have that the organisms favor.

This article highlights resources related to water from the American Museum of Natural History and at-home activities on ice and water.

This video examines what will happen to crops as Earth's temperature rises and soils dry out because of changing climate.