In the sixth lesson in a series of 21, scholars use NASA data to graph and interpret albedo seasonally and over the course of multiple years. This allows learners to compare albedo trends to changes in sea ice with connections to the difference between weather and climate.

Concepts

albedo, radiation

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use more recent data to extend the analysis longer than 13 years to see if the trends hold or change
• Have scholars calculate the area of the classroom and figure how many light bulbs are the equivalent to the net solar radiation found in the activity

Classroom Considerations

• Lesson builds on previous concepts in the series and should be completed in order

Pros

• Aligns to the National Science Education Standards, National Education Technology Standards, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Education Standards, Climate Literacy Principles, and Energy Literacy Principles
• Uses real data rather than sample data sets
• Offers a glimpse into one way scientists update and adjust scientific ideas as new data is understood

 

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.3 RST.9-10.7 RST.9-10.9 RST.11-12.3 RST.11-12.7 RST.11-12.9