What is reflectivity, and what does it have to do with the Earth's climate? As reflectivity is measured by albedo, scientists can gather information on Earth's energy balances that relate to global warming or climate change. Budding climatologists conduct their own experiment that uses a heat lamp and black paper to measure albedo in order to relate it to Earth's changing surface temperature.

Concepts

reflectivity, albedo, absorption, temperature changes, global warming, climate change, light waves, light energy

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the interactive in the resource to help demonstrate Earth's albedo
• If having trouble gathering all the materials listed in the plan, do the group experiment as a whole-class demonstration

Classroom Considerations

• Requires graph paper for each member of the class
• Young scientists should know how to read and use thermometers
• Review the materials list and acquire them before implementing the lesson
• Lesson is the fourth resource of five that make up a unit which is also included in a larger series of units on climate change

Pros

• Comes with step-by-step directions for learners to reference while participating in the experiment
• Provides background information and vocabulary to help teach the concepts and support the explanation of the experimental results

Cons

• Answer key is empty and does not suggest learner answers; however, most responses are open-ended