How to Visualize One Part Per Million
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Provided by: TED-Ed|Published on: April 27, 2021
Articles/WebsitesScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video from TED-Ed shows nine ways students can visualize measurements in parts per million, considering it is not inherently simple to conceptualize.
Subjects: Chemistry, Mathematics, Visual and Performing Arts
Authors: Kim Preshoff, TED-Ed
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The video was created with the help of over 100 animators to create visualizations of one part per million.
- The examples used are engaging, relatable, and varied which can make it more accessible to different styles of learning.
- The video webpage includes eight "Think" questions, a "Dig Deeper" section with additional resources, and a "Discuss" section with a guided prompt for discussion.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should know what types of things we measure using parts per million, particularly greenhouse gas concentrations.
- Students should understand that even though one part per million seems small, even low levels of toxic substances are dangerous.
- You must sign into the website to use the interactive features.
Differentiation
- Students can create their own analogies to visualize one part per million.
- Students in math classes can convert units using parts per million.
- Students can write an analysis of why they think it is difficult for humans to conceptualize parts per million and relate it to why humans have a hard time conceptualizing long periods of time (like the 4.6 billion years of Earth's history).
The video provides nine clear examples for students to understand ppm which is a common unit for measuring CO2 concentrations. There is no contradiction in the examples given. Thus, the resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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