Students examine the two time series images to determine the differences between seasonal ice melt over water versus land.

This graphic organizer may be used to help students analyze the processes and components of Earth System phenomena.

 Air, Water, Land, & Life: A Global Perspective

In this lesson, Observing Earth’s Seasonal Changes, students observe patterns of average snow and ice amounts as they change from one month to another, as well as connect the concepts of the tilt and orbit of the Earth (causing the changing of seasons) with monthly snow/ice data from January 2008

Students analyze four data visualizations focused on the topic of sea level.  They use a jigsaw method to explore and communicate their findings to their peers.

Students will observe monthly satellite data of the North Atlantic to identify relationships among key science variables that include sea surface salinity (SS), air temperature at the ocean surface (AT), sea surface temperature (ST), evaporation (EV), precipitation (PT), and evaporation minus pre

Students will analyze a graph showing the amounts of peak energy received at local noon each day over the year changes with different latitudes. 

Examine (daytime) surface temperature and solar radiation received at locations found near similar latitudes using NASA Data.

The Earth System Satellite Images, help the learner visualize how different Earth system variables change over time, establish cause and effect relationships for a specific variable, identify patterns, and determine relationships among variables over one year.

The activities in this guide will help students understand variations in environmental parameters by examining connections among different phenomena measured on local, regional and global scales.