Albedo: Measuring the Reflective Properties of Different Surfaces

CategoryIce Core Science

Science Standards 1) Science and Engineering Practice: Asking questions and defining problems; Developing and using models; Planning and carrying out investigations; Analyzing and interpreting data; Obtaining, evaluating and communicating information. 2) Disciplinary Core Ideas: Physical Sciences-- Matter & its interactions; Energy. Earth and Space Sciences-- Earth’s systems; Earth and human Activity. 3) Crosscutting Concepts: Cause and effect; Energy flow and conservation; Stability and change

File TypeGoogle Doc

DescriptionStudents will measure the albedo and surface temperature of various ice mixtures and the changing properties as the ice melts over time. Students will move from understanding what albedo is, to the larger scale of its role in Earth's energy budget.

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Key Concepts

Albedo
Reflectivity
Absorption
Transmission
Solar Radiation
Frequency
Natural Frequency of the Electron
Wavelength
Visible Light
Trough
Crest
Color

Albedo: Measuring the Reflective Properties of Different Surfaces

Albedo: Measuring the Reflective Properties of Different Surfaces

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