COSMOS Episode 12: The World Set Free Worksheet (2014)

Description

COSMOS Episode 12: The World Set Free (2014) is a great environmental wake-up call for the citizens of earth. Neil DeGrasse Tyson effectively demonstrates the parallels of the runaway greenhouse effect that occurred on Venus (and the hellish conditions it produced) and what we are currently doing to the earth. Tyson presents solid, scientific evidence to support his claims. But does humanity have the will to take the steps necessary before it is too late?

In this episode, Tyson discusses the reasons why Venus is so hot today, how carbon dioxide levels are changing, increases in carbon dioxide output since the Industrial Revolution, infrared light, visible light, thermal heating, volcanic output of carbon dioxide, human output of carbon dioxide, weather vs climate, the albedo effect, positive feedback loops, renewable energy sources, solar power, technology and society, and summoning the will to act.

This episode is appropriate for the following classes: biology, physics, astronomy, physical science, ecology, environmental science, or general science.

The runtime is 44 minutes. The video guide is designed to last an entire class, with some time left over to answer questions or facilitate a classroom discussion.

Neil DeGrasse Tyson, environmentalism, why Venus is so hot today, carbon dioxide levels changing, increases in carbon dioxide output since the Industrial Revolution, infrared light, visible light, thermal heating, volcanic output and carbon dioxide, human output of carbon dioxide, weather vs climate, the albedo effect, positive feedback loops, renewable energy sources, solar power, technology and society, the will to act, biology, physics, astronomy, physical science, ecology, environmental science, general science