El Niño 101

National Geographic

This video explains what El Niño is and provides the definition of El Niño. It goes into detail about the devastating terrestrial and aquatic effects El Niño can have on living organisms and the climate (disease, storms, floods, tornadoes, drought, wildfire, increased air temperatures, decreased water temperatures, etc).

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Notes from our reviewers

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Teachers may want to differentiate between climate change and El Niño. This video can be integrated into a unit on weather. It would be advised to watch more than once for better understanding or create a lesson guide. As an extension activity, students could research a natural disaster associated with El Niño or discuss how to prepare for natural disasters. A discussion topic that could accompany this video would be to brainstorm ways to reduce climate change. Other National Geographic 101 Videos include: Tsunami's, meteor showers, volcanoes, earthquakes, climate change, and shark attacks.
This video explains what El Niño is, the climate changes and natural disasters that can occur during an El Niño year, and what creates an El Niño year. Covers specific topics like water currents, atmospheric conditions, rainfall patterns, and the effects of these on land, animals, and people. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
In just a few minutes this video provides a wealth of information using basic vocabulary, and no previous knowledge is necessary. The video flows in a manner that makes sense - it begins by introducing the topic, explains the topic, and gives examples using diagrams, maps, and real footage from storms. This video is engaging with real recordings of natural disasters, maps, and charts to help explain. It follows a good progression and sequence that students will be able to follow.