Thermal Expansion & Sea Level Rise

Videos

Grades9, 10, 11, 12Physics, Mathematics

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by Paleontological Research Institution

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What it is

This video by the Paleontological Research Institution describes thermal expansion, how it can be measured experimentally, and how the equation can be used to answer important questions.
The video details how thermal expansion causes significant sea level rise with increasing temperatures.

Teaching tips

Positives

This is a great video of a thermal expansion experiment and the speaker walks students through the equation at a good pace.
The graphs about sea level rise are impactful.

Prerequisites

You may want to teach your students how to navigate between metric and imperial units.
If you decide to replicate this experiment in your lab you will need the appropriate materials ready beforehand.
It may benefit students to understand climate change and why thermal expansion is an important concept for the future.

Differentiation & Implementation

Advanced students could experiment with varying degrees of diluted sea water to see if the melting of the ice caps will increase or decrease the rate of thermal expansion in the ocean.
If you decide to replicate the experiment shown in this video, students could work in pairs or groups.
Other resources about sea level rise include this interactive map from NOAA on sea level rise, sea level data from NASA, and this lesson looking at Earth's vital signs, including sea level rise.

From the scientist review

This resource uses a simple experiment to demonstrate the principle of thermal expansion and apply it to the larger issue of sea level rise. This resource is recommended for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: Physics, Mathematics
Format: YouTube Video
Language: English
Location: Earth
Provider: Paleontological Research Institution
Authors: Paleontological Research Institution
Published: April 27, 2021
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.IF.B.4 + 6 more

Core

Common Core Math Standards (CCSS.MATH)

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.IF.B.4For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in terms of the quantities, and sketch graphs showing key features given a verbal description of the relationship. Key features include: intercepts; intervals where the function is increasing, decreasing, positive, or negative; relative maximums and minimums; symmetries; end behavior; and periodicity.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.LE.B.5Interpret the parameters in a linear or exponential function in terms of a context.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

HS-PS3-4.Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the transfer of thermal energy when two components of different temperature are combined within a closed system results in a more uniform energy distribution among the components in the system (second law of thermodynamics).
HS-ESS2-5.Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.

Michigan Climate Education Hub

Michigan K-12 Mathematics Standards

F.LE.5.Interpret the parameters in a linear or exponential function in terms of a context.

Michigan K-12 Science Standards

HS-PS3-4Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the transfer of thermal energy when two components of different temperature are combined within a closed system results in a more uniform energy distribution among the components in the system (second law of thermodynamics).
HS-ESS2-5Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.

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