Material Detail

How does the Earth Cool Itself Off?

In this activity, learners simulate the energy transfer between the earth and space by using the light from a desk lamp to warm up a world map placemat. The placemat will warm up, so it will emit infrared, which learners can detect with an infrared thermometer. The hotter the surface, the more energy emitted, which the thermometer will show. Then learners will add an "atmosphere" to see how it holds the heat in and reduces the transmission of...

Keywords:: Moon and Sun, NSDL, Ecology, Physics, Heat and Thermodynamics, Conducting Investigations, Climate Change, Chemistry, Atmosphere, Earth System Science, Sunlight and Color, Light and Optics, Atmospheric Science, Space Science, Energy Transfer, Heat Transfer, Forestry and Agriculture, Physical Science, Temperature, Infrared, Radiation, Geoscience, Global Warming, Thermodynamics and Entropy, General Science, Earth, Weather and Climate, Thermal Energy, Light, Education, Heat and Temperature, Energy