MS-ESS3-4: Human Impact on Earth's Systems

Front

Fossil Fuels Noun

---

[fos-uhl fyools]

Back

Fossil Fuels

---

Non-renewable energy sources like coal, oil, and gas, formed from the remains of ancient organisms over millions of years.

---

Example: An oil rig extracts oil and gas from underground layers, showing fossil fuels formed over millions of years.

Front

Sustainable Adjective

---

[suh-steyn-uh-buhl]

Back

Sustainable

---

Describing a process or state that can be maintained at a certain level without depleting resources or causing harm.

---

Example: The image shows Earth as a water source, highlighting the importance of conserving resources sustainably.

Front

Renewable Energy Noun

---

[ri-noo-uh-buhl en-er-jee]

Back

Renewable Energy

---

Energy collected from resources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, and water.

---

Example: Wind turbines and solar panels capture renewable energy from wind and sunlight.

Front

Pollutant Noun

---

[puh-loo-tnt]

Back

Pollutant

---

A substance introduced into the environment that has harmful or poisonous effects on living organisms and ecosystems.

---

Example: Factory emissions release pollutants like SO2 and NOx, harming trees and ecosystems.

Front

Climate Change Noun

---

[klahy-mit cheynj]

Back

Climate Change

---

A significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years.

---

Example: The image shows how solar energy enters Earth's atmosphere and is trapped by greenhouse gases, causing warming.

Front

Carbon Dioxide Noun

---

[kahr-buhn dahy-ok-sahyd]

Back

Carbon Dioxide

---

A colorless gas produced by burning carbon and organic compounds, which is a major greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.

---

Example: The image shows the molecular structure of carbon dioxide (CO2), helping students understand its composition as a gas.

Front

Emissions Noun

---

[ih-mish-uhns]

Back

Emissions

---

The production and discharge of substances, especially gases like pollutants, into the atmosphere from a source.

---

Example: Methane gas emissions from cows contribute to atmospheric pollution.

Front

Combustion Noun

---

[kuhm-buhs-chn]

Back

Combustion

---

A rapid chemical reaction between a substance with an oxidant, usually oxygen, to produce heat and light.

---

Example: A hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and heat and light.

Front

Solar Energy Noun

---

[soh-ler en-er-jee]

Back

Solar Energy

---

Radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using various technologies for power generation.

---

Example: Sunlight travels to Earth, showing how solar energy is received and can be used for power.

Front

Hydroelectricity Noun

---

[hahy-droh-ee-lek-tris-i-tee]

Back

Hydroelectricity

---

Electrical power generated by using the gravitational force of falling or flowing water to turn a turbine.

---

Example: Water flows through a dam, turning a turbine to generate electricity.