Greenhouse Effect
Blackbody radiation and greenhouse effect
Suresh Dhaniyala
Clarkson University Potsdam NY
August 2011
Details
Type: Integrated unit with five separate interactive computer-based activities.
Length 3-4 45 minute periods
Content Area/Course: Earth science, Physics, and Chemistry
Targeted Grade Level: 8-12 (adaptable)
Prerequisite Knowledge/Skills: General internet navigation: basic understanding of atmospheric science
Technology/web resources: Internet access, Java-enabled
Thinking skill development: Comprehension, synthesis, evaluation
NASA resources used:
Description
Students will use graphical tools to understand blackbody radiation, identify different spectrum ranges, learn about the interaction of atmospheric gases with radiation of different wavelengths, and recognize the relationship between greenhouse gases and global average temperature. This unit provides a foundational understanding of the greenhouse effect and its role in controlling Earth’s temperature.
Resources
Materials for Activities:
Lecture Support Materials:
Links to External Resources:
Absorption in Infrared Wavelength
Electromagnetic Spectrum Applet
Heat Radiation in Infrared Wavelengths Examples








