To investigate the different rates of heating and cooling of certain materials on earth in order to understand the heating dynamics that take place in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Students observe the surface temperatures of a variety of surface types found in a suburban environment.

Are you looking for a storyline about using albedo values to measure change in the cryosphere using NASA data?  Consider using the following resources in your classroom today!

Students watch a video explaining albedo and its impact on Earth. The video shows visualizations of albedo across Earth and how it can change. Students will interpret the images in the video and answer questions about albedo.

Students analyze two North Pole orthographic data visualizations produced from soil moisture data. After describing trends in the seasonal thaw of land surfaces, students demonstrate their understanding of Earth’s energy budget by explaining relationships and make predictions about the dataset.

Students explore positive feedback effects of changing albedo from melting Arctic sea ice.

Students identify patterns and describe the relationship between chlorophyll concentration and incoming shortwave radiation. 

Students interpret a graph of surface temperatures taken from city districts and other types of communities.

This graphic organizer may be used to help students analyze the processes and components of Earth System phenomena.