Thermodynamics in Earth’s Systems

Unit Overview

How can we slow the flow of energy on Earth to protect vulnerable coastal communities?

In this unit, students investigate how rising sea levels impact coastal communities. They analyze data linking sea level rise to polar ice melt and human-driven carbon dioxide emissions, explore a potential solution to slow the rise, and learn how energy transfers at both molecular and Earth-systems levels through radiation, convection, and conduction.

*This performance expectation is developed across multiple units.
†This performance expectation is developed across multiple courses.