Amazing Albedo
Source Institutions
-
American Museum of Natural History
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In this experiment, learners work in teams to investigate how the color of a surface influences its ability to reflect light and therefore heat. The ratio of light reflected to that received is known as albedo. Learners record, graph, and analyze the temperature of a dark-colored surface and a light-colored surface under a heat lamp. Learners use this information to draw conclusions about global temperatures, specifically in Antarctica.
- Under 5 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 11 - 18
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- 1 sheet of black construction paper
- scissors
- stopwatch
- 1 sheet of white construction paper
- heat lamp (or natural sunlight)
- 2 thermometers
- stapler
- graph paper
- ruler
Subjects
- Earth and Space Science
- Earth Processes
- Weather and Climate
- Earth Structure
- Oceans and Water
- Atmosphere
- Earth, Moon and Sun
- Earth Processes
- Physical Sciences
- Heat and Thermodynamics
- Heat and Temperature
- Heat Transfer
- Light and Optics
- Reflection and Refraction
- Sunlight and Color
- Heat and Thermodynamics
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Asking Questions
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
- The Scientific Process
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, American Museum of Natural History and Rice University, ©2002
