Should It Be Called "Natural Gas" or "Methane"?
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Provided by: Yale Program on Climate Change Communication|Published on: April 27, 2021
Articles/WebsitesScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This article shows the effect of word choice on people's perceptions and feelings about natural gas compared to methane.
- The data shows how people's opinions change based on political party and different wording including natural gas, natural methane gas, methane, and methane gas.
Subjects: Science, English Language Arts, Mathematics
Authors: Karine Lacroix, Matthew Goldberg
Region: North America, United States
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The article and data describe an experiment that is easy to follow and analyze.
- The article can be a significant component of a media literacy, advertising, or literacy lesson.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should have a basic knowledge of fossil fuels and climate change.
Differentiation
- Students can analyze why they think the word "natural" influenced people's perceptions regardless of their political party.
- Teachers can preview essential vocabulary like methane and greenhouse gas.
- ELL students can be given the article beforehand to read.
- After reading the article, students can experiment to see if other terms, such as global warming or climate change, carry different perceptions and feelings.
- Other resources related to these topics include this interactive map and data on global methane emissions and this video on the importance of reducing methane emissions.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Yale Program on Climate Change Communication
The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication conducts scientific research on public opinion and behavior. They also engage the public in climate change science and solutions, in partnerships with governments, media, companies, and civil society.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
