Planetary Energy Balance
Planetary Energy Balance Teaching Module A teaching module including readings and associated links by the American Chemical Society that discusses the balance between incoming solar energy and outgoing terrestrial energy and its relationship with the surface temperature of the Earth. This overview reading can be used as an introduction to the topic by teachers interested […]
Introduction to Planetary Energy Balance
Introduction to Planetary Energy Balance Reading A reading by University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Center for Science Education that discusses how the surface temperature of the Earth can be calculated through simple energy balance equations.This overview reading can be used as an introduction to the topic by teachers interested in teaching about planetary energy […]
Blackbody Radiation and Planetary Temperatures
Blackbody Radiation and Planetary Temperatures Model/Simulation A Model/Simulation to understand blackbody radiation, the effects of albedo and solar brightness on the temperature of a planet, and the greenhouse effect of the Earth’s atmosphere. effect of the Earth’s atmosphere. Students will experiment with a blackbody simulation to understand how the blackbody radiation model can be used […]
Urban Heat Island
Urban Heat Island Classroom/Laboratory Activity A laboratory activity to learn about the urban heat island effect and heat waves. Students will collect temperature-related data from various parts of their schoolyard, observe and analyze differences in the data, and discuss the environmental factors that affect the temperature. With the help of temperature data for Los Angeles […]
The Greenhouse Effect
The Greenhouse Effect Model/Simulation A visualisation to observe, understand, explore, and analyze the molecular structure of carbon compounds (CO2, CH4), the effect of electromagnetic radiation on these molecules, and the role of greenhouse gases in climate change. Students will visualise the molecular structure of atmospheric gases, and the effect of infrared photons on these molecules. […]