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Solid and liquid particles and certain gasses that are released into the atmosphere come from car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mold spores, volcanoes and wildfires. These particles and gasses are called aerosols, this is very harmful to the earth and for living things, which has been associated with heart and lung cancer and other issues too. Ozone is a harmful gas that is the main cause of air pollution, however it helps protect us from dangerous energy from the sun. Ozone comes from burning fossil fuels when the sunlight reacts from certain chemicals. When particles merge with ozone, they make a gas called smog which is a type of air pollution that looks like smoky fog which makes it hard to see.

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Climate change is the world heating up because of humans using oil, gas and coal to power their homes, cars and factories, and it’s also heating up the world. Climate change has affected animals such as the polar bear and the American pika a lot and it will continue if we don’t stop this. Some places will receive more rainfall, which could lead to flooding, while other places will get less, which might mean drought. Tropical storms could be stronger, and a continuing rise in sea level due to melting polar ice might push people out of their homes. Please help us by unplugging electronics to turn them off when they are in use.

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What is climate change? What could happen? Get all the facts you need to know.

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Can we use bacteria to make renewable rocket fuel? Melanie and Marlena 

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Can we use bacteria to make renewable rocket fuel? Melanie and Marlena 

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In modern times temperatures are rising due to the extensive use of fossil fuels for energy. At the moment, scientists are researching and experimenting the idea of using bacteria instead to make rocket fuel. Scientists are searching for bacteria that make " POP molecules " which are molecules shaped as triangles. So far they have taken DNA from 7,762 different types of bacteria to test if they made “POP molecules”. When they found the right DNA they extracted and changed it so that it would make “POP molecules”. After that, they put the “POP molecules” through a process that converted them from “ POP molecules” into high energy POP biofuels.

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Cutting edge scientific research accessible to kids. A free STEM teaching resource.

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Greenhouse effect  by Natalie Wong and Jasmine

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Greenhouse effect  by Natalie Wong and Jasmine

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The greenhouse effect is named after the greenhouse because the greenhouse is made out of unbreakable glass which traps in the sunlight making the greenhouse warm even on cold winter nights. Although the earth isn't covered in glass, it is wrapped with something called the atmosphere which has the same effect as the glass, trapping the sunlight. This keeps the earth warm. People nowadays have been polluting the Earth by burning coal, fossil fuels and using a lot of oils and diesel in their daily lives. This causes extreme global warming and pollution that affects our world heavily. Just like a greenhouse, Earth’s greenhouse is filled with plants. In order to reduce the greenhouse effect as trees absorb Co2 we can help the Earth by planting trees .

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How does the greenhouse effect work?

As you might expect from the name, the greenhouse effect works ... like a greenhouse! A greenhouse is a building with glass walls and a glass roof. Greenhouses are used to grow plants, such as tomatoes and tropical flowers.

A greenhouse stays warm inside, even during the winter. In the daytime, sunlight shines into the greenhouse and warms the plants and air inside. At nighttime, it's colder outside, but the greenhouse stays pretty warm inside. That's because the glass walls of the greenhouse trap the Sun's heat.

The greenhouse effect works much the same way on Earth. Gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, trap heat similar to the glass roof of a greenhouse. These heat-trapping gases are called greenhouse gases.

During the day, the Sun shines through the atmosphere. Earth's surface warms up in the sunlight. At night, Earth's surface cools, releasing heat back into the air. But some of the heat is trapped by the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. That's what keeps our Earth a warm and cozy 58 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius), on average.

How are humans impacting the greenhouse effect?

Human activities are changing Earth's natural greenhouse effect. Burning fossil fuels like coal and oil puts more carbon dioxide into our atmosphere.

NASA has observed increases in the amount of carbon dioxide and some other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. Too much of these greenhouse gases can cause Earth's atmosphere to trap more and more heat. This causes Earth to warm up.

What reduces the greenhouse effect on Earth?

Just like a glass greenhouse, Earth's greenhouse is also full of plants! Plants can help to balance the greenhouse effect on Earth. All plants - from giant trees to tiny phytoplankton in the ocean - take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen.

The ocean also absorbs a lot of excess carbon dioxide in the air. Unfortunately, the increased carbon dioxide in the ocean changes the water, making it more acidic. This is called ocean acidification.

More acidic water can be harmful to many ocean creatures, such as certain shellfish and coral. Warming oceans - from too many greenhouse gases in the atmosphere - can also be harmful to these organisms. Warmer waters are a main cause of coral bleaching.

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Learn more about this process that occurs when gases in Earth's atmosphere trap the Sun's heat.

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Global warming has been damaging our environment causing temperatures to rise, droughts, floods, and polar ice caps to melt. Since the ice caps are melting, sea levels are rising, and animals such as polar bears, and penguins are losing their habitats. In the next 100 years, submerged cities have been predicted by some scientists. Humans have a huge impact on global warming. We have been driving vehicles and burning fossil fuels like coal and oil, which release emissions into the atmosphere. Because of the high temperatures, severe droughts, and wildfires causing the forest to burn down.

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Earth's climate is changing at an rate. As a result, storms and are becoming more intense. Temperatures are rising. Polar ice caps are melting. This is causing oceans to rise. Low coastal areas are flooding. Animals are losing their habitats. Scientists are sounding the alarm: If we don't make changes to halt global warming, the planet's climate will become increasingly unbearable.

Climate, unlike weather, describes long-term patterns in the conditions of the . Earth's climate as a whole has changed several times throughout history. In the past 650,000 years alone, there have been seven cycles of glacial advance and retreat. Most of these changes are a natural part of Earth's 4.5 billion-year history. They are due to tiny variations in the Earth's orbit, which alter the amount of solar energy reaching the planet.

Scientists say that recent changes in Earth's climate are not due to natural causes. According to NASA, 97% of climate scientists agree there is a direct connection between human activity and the changes occurring on our planet.

TAYLOR WEIDMAN-BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES

The Human Impact

Over the past 150 years, humans have used more and more engines, vehicles, and other machines. These devices burn through fossil fuels like coal and oil. Fossil fuels emit carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases.

Normally, plants, trees, and the oceans absorb carbon dioxide and release it back into the atmosphere as oxygen. But an increase in fossil fuels has created more carbon dioxide than nature can take in. Adding to the problem are other human activities. Deforestation and the destruction of habitats also reduce the number of trees and plants. That makes it even harder to absorb all that carbon dioxide.

When too much carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere, it causes problems for Earth's climate. Sunlight can pass through those gases. But the heat the sun generates cannot escape back out into space. So the gases end up trapping that heat. This then turns the planet into a giant greenhouse.

This greenhouse effect leads to changes in the climate, like increased temperatures. Average temperatures across the planet have not been increasing uniformly. But scientists observe a clear upward trend. Sixteen of the 17 warmest years ever recorded have occurred since 2001.

Turning Up the Heat

Scientists believe that climate change will have an impact far greater than milder winters and warmer summers. A warmer planet melts glaciers and other large bodies of ice faster than usual. Earth's glaciers help cool the planet. This means that as ice melts, temperatures will continue to rise. Rising sea levels, flooding, and stronger weather events will occur. And as the planet gets hotter, some places will become uninhabitable for people and animals.

These effects are already being felt around the world. Melting polar ice caps are causing huge chunks of ice to fall into the oceans. The melting ice is causing sea levels to rise about an eighth of an inch per year. That's according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Many coastal areas are in danger of flooding. Some scientists predict that if sea levels continue to rise at current rates, entire cities may be submerged in the next 100 years.

In warm, dry regions, increased temperatures are causing severe drought. This leads to wildfires, food shortages, and water insecurity. Global warming has also led to coral bleaching of nearly two-thirds of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The corals provide a habitat for nearly 1,500 different species of fish. This loss of sea life also affects the hundreds of millions of humans who rely on marine creatures for food.

Climate change is also creating more extreme weather events. This puts people and in danger. Scientists believe that global warming is responsible for hurricanes of greater intensity. Other results of global warming include more frequent and severe heat waves, droughts, blizzards, and rainstorms.

CHRIS SEWARD-RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER/TNS/GETTY IMAGES

Taking Action

Governments, companies, and individuals are working to cut greenhouse-gas emissions. Countries are joining to fight climate change and its effects. Innovators are working to create Earth-friendly fuels and power sources. And more and more people are using electric and hybrid vehicles. They are also turning to wind and solar power for alternative energy sources.

But humans still need to deal with the large amount of carbon dioxide already in the atmosphere. One solution being tested is called carbon sequestration. Through this process, carbon dioxide can be captured and stored underground before it goes into the atmosphere. Another proposal is to store carbon by planting more trees-nature's carbon trap.

Time will tell the true impact that climate change has on Earth. But how humans respond and adapt to a warming planet will set the course for years to come.

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Earth's climate is changing at an unprecedented rate. As a result, storms and droughts are becoming more intense. Temperatures are rising. Polar ice caps are melting. This is causing oceans to rise. Low coastal areas are flooding. Animals are losing...

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Air pollution is one of the most harmful chemicals that affect nature, wildlife, and us, humans. However, we humans are the cause of this major outcome as it's caused by cars, trucks, factories, dust, pollen, volcanic ash and wildfires which are mainly our doing.

Air pollution is mainly caused by aerosols, which are certain gases that get released up in our air. They come from chemical reactions which are made with the harmful chemicals and gases we release.

Volcanic ashes can also cause airplanes engines to fail as they are a harmful, indistinguishable gas in the air.

Luckily, many countries are working to solve this problem. We can also prevent creating air pollution by walking instead of driving cars, planting trees, and overall, using less energy.

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Air pollution happens when solid and liquid particles-called aerosols -and certain gases end up in our air. These particles and gases can be bad for the planet and for our health, so keeping track of them is important.

Where do aerosols come from?

Any particle that gets picked up into the air or is formed from chemical reactions in the air can be an aerosol. Many aerosols enter the atmosphere when we burn fossil fuels-such as coal and petroleum-and wood. These particles can come from many sources, including car exhaust, factories and even wildfires. Some of the particles and gases come directly from these sources, but others form through chemical reactions in the air.

Aerosols can come from other places, too, such as ash from an erupting volcano. Dust, pollen from plants and mold spores are also examples of aerosols.

What else causes air pollution?

Certain gases in the atmosphere can cause air pollution. For example, in cities, a gas called ozone is a major cause of air pollution. Ozone is also a greenhouse gas that can be both good and bad for our environment. It all depends where it is in Earth's atmosphere.

Ozone high up in our atmosphere is a good thing. It helps block harmful energy from the Sun, called radiation. But, when ozone is closer to the ground, it can be really bad for our health. Ground level ozone is created when sunlight reacts with certain chemicals that come from sources of burning fossil fuels, such as factories or car exhaust.

When particles in the air combine with ozone, they create smog. Smog is a type of air pollution that looks like smoky fog and makes it difficult to see.

How does air pollution affect Earth's climate?

Aerosols can impact how the Sun's light hits Earth. For example, some aerosols reflect sunlight while others absorb sunlight. It depends on the color of the particle.

Dark surfaces-whether it's a black t-shirt or a dark particle in the atmosphere-absorb the Sun's heat. Lighter-colored surfaces reflect heat from the Sun.

A white t-shirt reflects the Sun on a hot day, making you feel cooler. In the same way, light-colored particles that reflect the Sun's light and heat away from Earth can make the global temperature cooler. Dark-colored particles that absorb the Sun's light can make the global temperature warmer.

How does air pollution affect our health?

Breathing in polluted air can be very bad for our health. Long-term exposure to air pollution has been associated with diseases of the heart and lungs, cancers and other health problems. That's why it's important for us to monitor air pollution.

How is NASA monitoring air pollution?

NASA uses satellites orbiting Earth to keep an eye on air pollution. In fact, air quality forecasters use information about aerosols from NASA's Aqua, Terra and Suomi-NPP satellites.

NASA also is developing a new instrument called the Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols, or MAIA, to fly aboard a future spacecraft mission. MAIA will help scientists understand the size, makeup and quantity of aerosols in our air. Eventually, scientists will be able to compare this information with health records. This can help us better understand the relationship between aerosol pollution and human health.

Related NASA Missions

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Air pollution is caused by solid or liquid particles and certain gases suspended in the air. These particles and gases can come from car and truck exhaust, factories, dust, pollen, mold spores, volcanoes and wildfires.

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Our earth is surrounded by an atmosphere made up of different gasses. When the sunlight enters the atmosphere,some of the sun's heat bounces back out into space, and some gets trapped by the gas. Even though we benifit from the trapped heat to keep ourselfs warm, this can also affect our climate and its growing temperatures. In fact,over the past 650,000 years, the earth has gone through seven ice ages and warming periods. Unfortunately, corals and animals are dying due to the warming temperatures, which is why we can help stop this by going to places not so far away by walking or riding a bike, or reduce and reuse things as much as possible.

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What is climate change? What could happen? Get all the facts you need to know.

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Climate Change by Natalie Wang and Julia

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Climate Change by Natalie Wang and Julia

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Earth has a layer of gases surrounding it to keep the temperature the way it is and climate change can impact our world heavily if we keep on. The main sources of global warming are heating and cooling, vehicles, and greenhouse gases from factories. This all results in emissions, making our temperature increase. Climate change is harming not only animals’ habitats but us too! The weather is constantly causing floods, droughts, storms and a continuing rise of the sea level. You can help by bringing your bag to grocery stores and using public transportation or a bike to your destination.

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What is climate change? What could happen? Get all the facts you need to know.

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One night in May 2023, the California Insitute of Technology, also known as Caltech, discovered that their satellite had completed it’s mission.

The satellite's goal was to receive sunlight from space, and convert the solar energy into electricity. Although this was a huge accomplishment, it’s just the start of this project.  Eventually, scientists dream of one day gathering the sun’s impressive power in massive satellites and beam it down into the earth.

The problem with this idea was that the solar panels would have to be mammoth-sized, which meant that they would be extremely heavy, and that would make them overly expensive.Therefore, scientists are creating a new type of solar panels, which are produced with lighter materials.

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One night in May, a group of people gathered around a computer monitor on a rooftop. They were scientists from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The monitor was linked to equipment that could receive transmissions transmission a message sent through space (noun) Our radio was receiving transmissions from a ship 10 miles off the coast. from a satellite. The satellite was 300 miles out in space.

COURTESY CALTECH

Around 10 p.m., they got a signal. The satellite was collecting sunlight. On their monitor, the scientists watched as their equipment turned that solar energy into electrical power. "It took it a few moments to sink in," Ali Hajimiri says. He's one of the scientists leading the project. "Then everyone got really excited."

COURTESY CALTECH

The experiment was a success. But it's just a first step. Eventually, the scientists hope to gather the sun's energy in giant satellites orbiting Earth and beam it down to the power grid.

Solar panels in space would produce a constant stream of power. And they would work even when it was cloudy on Earth. "In space, it's always noon on a sunny day," Hajimiri says.

A Lighter Satellite

The idea of solar space stations isn't new. Science fiction writers thought of it years ago.

The problem is getting these power stations into space. The glass solar panels would have to be huge. That would make them heavy. The cost of launching the parts into orbit would be tremendous. (See "Rising Possibility.")

So the Caltech scientists are creating a new kind of solar panel. This one is made out of lightweight materials. And they're replacing bulky antennas with tiny ones. These fit onto ultrathin sheets (see photo). They release energy and can beam it to any spot on Earth. "You've gone from a giant elephant to an army of ants of these individual transmitters," Hajimiri says.

COURTESY CALTECH

The scientists hope to build a system that can produce enough solar power to charge a laptop from space. That work could take five years. From there, they will scale up to a full-fledged full-fledged total; complete (adjective) As she gained more clients, Myra turned dog-walking into a full-fledged business. power station.

Research Continues

Caltech is not the only organization that's interested in solar power stations. China is planning a mission in 2028 to test its technology. And the European Space Agency is looking to build gigantic solar space stations.

For now, the Caltech scientists will continue with their experiments. Their satellite managed to send some energy to Earth. But other parts didn't work. These include the frame for the solar panels. It failed to unfold.

COURTESY CALTECH

But the recent experiment proved that the technology works in space. With more research, it could reach commercial use in the coming decades.

"While there are still hurdles to overcome for large-scale wireless energy transfer of space solar," Hajimiri says, "this gets us closer."

Rising Possibility

STEPHEN M. DOWELL-ORLANDO SENTINEL/TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE/GETTY IMAGES

The biggest obstacle to building solar power stations in space is not the technology. It's the cost. Launching the materials is too expensive.

That's changing. The aerospace company SpaceX has been testing reusable rockets (above). Reusing rockets will bring down the cost of a launch. The end cost of gathering solar energy and sending it to Earth will be less. And that will make it more practical. -By Brian S. McGrath

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One night in May, a group of people gathered around a computer monitor on a rooftop. They were scientists from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The monitor was linked to equipment that could receive transmissions from a satellite. The...

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What is global warming? By Philip and Larry

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What is global warming? By Philip and Larry

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Global Warming is a major problem that could result in serious problems in the future. Climate change is caused by carbon dioxide and heat trapped on Earth by greenhouse gases. There are many consequences like extreme weather events, global heat rise, droughts, and sea levels rising. 97% of scientists believe that global warming is caused by humans. Actions like cutting trees and riding in transportation emit fossil fuels which is a main cause of global warming. Luckily, the world is working together by protecting trees, using electric vehicles, and using renewable and sustainable resources.

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Earth's climate is changing at an rate. As a result, storms and are becoming more intense. Temperatures are rising. Polar ice caps are melting. This is causing oceans to rise. Low coastal areas are flooding. Animals are losing their habitats. Scientists are sounding the alarm: If we don't make changes to halt global warming, the planet's climate will become increasingly unbearable.

Climate, unlike weather, describes long-term patterns in the conditions of the . Earth's climate as a whole has changed several times throughout history. In the past 650,000 years alone, there have been seven cycles of glacial advance and retreat. Most of these changes are a natural part of Earth's 4.5 billion-year history. They are due to tiny variations in the Earth's orbit, which alter the amount of solar energy reaching the planet.

Scientists say that recent changes in Earth's climate are not due to natural causes. According to NASA, 97% of climate scientists agree there is a direct connection between human activity and the changes occurring on our planet.

TAYLOR WEIDMAN-BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES

The Human Impact

Over the past 150 years, humans have used more and more engines, vehicles, and other machines. These devices burn through fossil fuels like coal and oil. Fossil fuels emit carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases.

Normally, plants, trees, and the oceans absorb carbon dioxide and release it back into the atmosphere as oxygen. But an increase in fossil fuels has created more carbon dioxide than nature can take in. Adding to the problem are other human activities. Deforestation and the destruction of habitats also reduce the number of trees and plants. That makes it even harder to absorb all that carbon dioxide.

When too much carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere, it causes problems for Earth's climate. Sunlight can pass through those gases. But the heat the sun generates cannot escape back out into space. So the gases end up trapping that heat. This then turns the planet into a giant greenhouse.

This greenhouse effect leads to changes in the climate, like increased temperatures. Average temperatures across the planet have not been increasing uniformly. But scientists observe a clear upward trend. Sixteen of the 17 warmest years ever recorded have occurred since 2001.

Turning Up the Heat

Scientists believe that climate change will have an impact far greater than milder winters and warmer summers. A warmer planet melts glaciers and other large bodies of ice faster than usual. Earth's glaciers help cool the planet. This means that as ice melts, temperatures will continue to rise. Rising sea levels, flooding, and stronger weather events will occur. And as the planet gets hotter, some places will become uninhabitable for people and animals.

These effects are already being felt around the world. Melting polar ice caps are causing huge chunks of ice to fall into the oceans. The melting ice is causing sea levels to rise about an eighth of an inch per year. That's according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Many coastal areas are in danger of flooding. Some scientists predict that if sea levels continue to rise at current rates, entire cities may be submerged in the next 100 years.

In warm, dry regions, increased temperatures are causing severe drought. This leads to wildfires, food shortages, and water insecurity. Global warming has also led to coral bleaching of nearly two-thirds of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The corals provide a habitat for nearly 1,500 different species of fish. This loss of sea life also affects the hundreds of millions of humans who rely on marine creatures for food.

Climate change is also creating more extreme weather events. This puts people and in danger. Scientists believe that global warming is responsible for hurricanes of greater intensity. Other results of global warming include more frequent and severe heat waves, droughts, blizzards, and rainstorms.

CHRIS SEWARD-RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER/TNS/GETTY IMAGES

Taking Action

Governments, companies, and individuals are working to cut greenhouse-gas emissions. Countries are joining to fight climate change and its effects. Innovators are working to create Earth-friendly fuels and power sources. And more and more people are using electric and hybrid vehicles. They are also turning to wind and solar power for alternative energy sources.

But humans still need to deal with the large amount of carbon dioxide already in the atmosphere. One solution being tested is called carbon sequestration. Through this process, carbon dioxide can be captured and stored underground before it goes into the atmosphere. Another proposal is to store carbon by planting more trees-nature's carbon trap.

Time will tell the true impact that climate change has on Earth. But how humans respond and adapt to a warming planet will set the course for years to come.

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Earth's climate is changing at an unprecedented rate. As a result, storms and droughts are becoming more intense. Temperatures are rising. Polar ice caps are melting. This is causing oceans to rise. Low coastal areas are flooding. Animals are losing...

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Can we use bacteria to make renewable rocket fuel? - by Alvin and Aditya

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Can we use bacteria to make renewable rocket fuel? - by Alvin and Aditya

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Did you know that modern day space shuttles are required to reach speeds of nearly 29,000 kilometers per hour? NASA currently uses a fuel that contains petroleum, a type of fossil fuel, and is one of the leading causes of global warming. However, scientists are developing clever ways to use bacteria to make molecules that we can turn into a bio-fuel that can fulfill a rockets needs. They looked further into bacterial DNA and used advanced methods to produce these fuels using a bacteria called "Streptomyces". Streptomyces can make something called a "POP bio-fuel" which look to be even greater in terms of energy than the current day petroleum containing rocket fuels!

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Can we use bacteria to make renewable rocket fuel? - Science Journal for Kids

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Two reading levels available + Link to BrainPop games and interactive lessons about fossil fuels + Audio version of article

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Climate Change- Jayden, Peak and Claudia 

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Climate Change- Jayden, Peak and Claudia 

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Climate change has affected the world in many different ways, from ice melting to species becoming extinct. Climate change is the changing of weather patterns. It is caused by factories, electronics, vehicles, and farm animals. Most animals are harmed by climate change, especially animals that need specific temperatures to survive, like the polar bear and the American pika. Some species that benefit from climate change are threats to humans such as mosquitos. We can help this problem though by unplugging electronics and turning off light switches when we are not using them, recycling paper, plastic, and glass, not buying unnecessary materials, and buying locally grown food.

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What is climate change? What could happen? Get all the facts you need to know.