Looking into Surface Albedo

National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)

Students perform a lab to explore how the color of materials at Earth's surface affect the amount of warming. Topics covered include developing a hypothesis, collecting data, and making interpretations to explain why dark-colored materials become hotter.

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Notes from our reviewers

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Hands-on activity fosters student understanding of how local, regional, and global albedo effects are critical to predicting global climate change. Has a good section to teach the importance of noting limitations of models. Engaging introduction for students using a photo of Himalayan glaciers for observation and study. Good worksheets included for students. Assessment needs to be improved by educator.