Absorption by atmospheric gases of incoming and outgoing radiation

Sara Harris, University of British Columbia, CLEAN Community Collection

In this activity, students use the absorption spectra of greenhouse gases to explore the nature of the greenhouse effect.

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Notes from our reviewers

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The science is somewhat abstract, so educator should visit with each group to make sure they are on the right track before the jigsaw groups switch roles. Students will need to have some prior knowledge of Earth's energy spectrum and greenhouse gases before effectively being able to complete this assignment. While written for undergraduate level, this resource can be used at high school level with modifications (e.g. background material and rubric). Great opportunity to address the misconception that heat is trapped and cannot escape our atmosphere.
This activity uses the jigsaw technique and has students working in small groups. The step-by-step nature of the exercise allows students to understand a complex concept using visual data. Students contrast atmospheric constituents based on their absorption spectra and identify greenhouse and non-greenhouse gases based on their absorption spectra. Students use graphs to determine the wavelengths at which each gas absorbs radiation. Final step asks students to compare what they found in their theoretical studies to a curve of a radiation curve measured by a satellite. This is a great way to assess the student's understanding of the processes.