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The greenhouse effect

Learning objects The greenhouse effect

TLF ID M019535

This interactive simulation explores the effect of greenhouse gases and clouds on sunlight, infrared radiation, and surface temperature of the Earth. In a series of simulations students explore why greenhouse gases affect the temperature; they compare and contrast the behaviour of sunlight and infrared radiation; investigate radiative balance and the relationship between surface temperature and greenhouse gas concentration; and compare the effect of greenhouse gases to the effect of infrared absorbing layers. The resource does not require registration to access the simulation for students to use, however teachers can register for free access to tips and additional instructions for using the resources and a range of teacher-submitted activities that use the simulation. The simulation is also available in multiple languages.

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Educational details

Educational value
  • This is a useful resource for the year ten science curriculum. It is particularly relevant for the content description referring to global systems and the atmosphere. The resource is also useful for the content description relating to using digital technologies to collect and record data.
  • This resource is also somewhat relevant to the systems organising idea of the sustainibility cross-curriculum priority.
  • Teaching and learning
Year level

10

Topics Atmospheric structure Atmosphere Greenhouse gases Temperature Accuracy and precision Greenhouse effect Carbon cycle Ecosystems Data collection Photosynthesis Climate change Global warming Sunlight Instrumentation (Technology) Oceans Replication (Experiments) Cellular respiration
Learning area
  • Science

Other details

Contributors
  • Contributor
  • Name: Education Services Australia
  • Organization: Education Services Australia
  • Description: Data manager
  • Address: VIC, AUSTRALIA
  • URL: http://www.esa.edu.au/
  • Copyright Holder
  • Name: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Organization: University of Colorado Boulder
  • URL: http://phet.colorado.edu/
  • Publisher
  • Name: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Organization: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Description: Publisher
  • URL: http://phet.colorado.edu/
  • Resource metadata contributed by
  • Name: Education Services Australia Ltd
  • Organisation: Education Services Australia Ltd
  • Address: AUSTRALIA
  • URL: www.esa.edu.au
Access profile
  • Unknown
Learning Resource Type
  • Interactive
  • Text
Rights
  • © 2015 University of Colorado. This resource may be used in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence, available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/, provided that the source is acknowledged. PhET logo may be used for attribution purposes only.