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The Earth and Space: General Characteristics of Earth

Scott Kelly et Terry Virts inspectent le système d’élimination du dioxyde de carbone de la SSI (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Carbon Dioxide on Earth and on the ISS

Backgrounders

Carbon dioxide is an important part of the air on Earth and in space. What is carbon dioxide? How is it measured? How can it affect us mentally and physically?

Scoop of potting soil

What is Soil?

Backgrounders

Learn about soil, soil texture and the various layers of soil.

Hurricane Katrina as seen from space

Where Do Hurricanes Come From?

STEM Explained

Hurricanes are a kind of tropical cyclone. But where do they come from? And why do they cause so much damage? This article will answer all your storm-related questions!

Why is rain not salty?

Why is rain not salty?

Hands-on Activities

Make a model of the water cycle and find out how water moves around on planet Earth.

A melting world-shaped glacier

What is Ocean Warming and Why Does It Matter?

STEM Explained

Oceans absorb the greatest amount of solar radiation on Earth. Ocean warming can lead to glaciers melting and ocean acidification.

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

Hands-on Activities

Explore the greenhouse effect and learn about the impacts it can have on the environment.

What makes soil hard and compacted?

What makes soil hard and compacted?

Hands-on Activities

Explore how walking on soil changes how water soaks into the ground and why that matters to gardeners and farmers.

Solar panel project in Dakar, Senegal

What are Carbon Offsets?

STEM Explained

Can carbon offsets help you reduce your environmental footprint, practice sustainable living and fight climate change?

Hamilton, Ontario industrial area with Toronto skyline in the background

What are Greenhouse Gases?

Backgrounders

This backgrounder explains what greenhouse gases are and how they contribute to climate change.

Biofuel concept

What are the Pros and Cons of Ethanol Biofuel?

STEM Explained

Biofuels like ethanol might help fight climate change. But they can contribute to food insecurity and greenhouse gases in ways that might surprise you.

What causes ocean currents?

What causes ocean currents?

Hands-on Activities

Create a model of ocean currents and learn how currents are formed.

Aerial of Gas well Marcellus Shale Formation in northern West Virginia

What is Fracking?

STEM Explained

The fracking process gets natural gases out of rocks. This process can have effects on freshwater, water quality and even earthquakes!

Cumulus Clouds

Weather: Cumulus Clouds

Picture Collections

5 images of cumulus clouds that are white, puffy clouds with a flat base at mid level and are often associated with fair weather

Fluffy snow on deciduous tree

Weather: Snow

Picture Collections

10 images of some snowflake crystals and some winter scenes with snow

Stratus Clouds

Weather: Stratus Clouds

Picture Collections

5 images of stratus clouds that cover a wide horizontal layer in the sky at low level and are often associated with rain or drizzle