Earth’s Energy Budget: The Greenhouse Effect - Student Handout

NGSS Alignment: HS-ESS2-4

Performance Expectation: Use a model to describe how variations in the flow of energy into and out of Earth’s systems result in changes in climate.

Part 1: Engage (Anchoring Phenomenon)

  1. The Moon vs Earth: Both are the same distance from the Sun, yet Earth is 33°C warmer on average. Why?
  2. Prediction: What happens to global temperature if we increase Earth’s “Albedo” (reflectivity)?

Part 2: Explore (Global Energy Lab)

Open the Greenhouse Effect Simulation. Manipulate the following variables and record the resulting temperature and energy flow.

Experimental Data Table:

| Factor Tested | Setting | Global Temp (°C) | Incoming vs Outgoing Energy | | :— | :— | :— | :— | | Baseline | 400 ppm CO2 | | | | Increased Solar | 400 W/m² | | | | High Albedo | Ice | | | | High Greenhouse | 800 ppm CO2 | | |

Part 3: Explain (Sensemaking)

  1. Microscopic View: Which type of photon (yellow/solar or red/infrared) is blocked by greenhouse gases?
  2. Energy Imbalance: When CO2 is increased, explain how the relationship between “Incoming” and “Outgoing” energy changes.
  3. Flow Chart: Identify one factor affecting energy INPUT and two affecting energy OUTPUT.
  4. The Net Effect: Can an increase in CO2 be “canceled out” by a decrease in Solar Intensity? Explain.

Part 4: Elaborate/Evaluate

  1. Feedback Loops: How does melting Arctic ice (lower albedo) affect the speed of global warming?
  2. Clouds: Do clouds act to warm or cool the planet in this simulation? Justify your answer.
  3. Application: What is the most important variable for humans to control to stabilize the Earth’s budget?

Part 5: Summary Model

Draw or describe an Energy Budget diagram showing: