Explicit physics instruction
Albedo is the reflected fraction of incoming radiation. Absorbed fraction is approximately 1−albedo in a simple model.
Earth's long-term energy balance compares incoming solar energy with reflected and emitted energy.
A temporary imbalance changes stored energy, but local weather and climate systems add transport, feedbacks, and spatial complexity.
Vocabulary: albedo; absorbed flux; emitted radiation; energy balance; feedback.
Worked example
If incoming flux is 1000 W/m² and albedo is 0.30, the simple absorbed flux is 700 W/m².
Guided question
Calculate absorbed flux for 800 W/m² incoming and albedo 0.25.
Independent work
- Solve three albedo/absorption problems.
- Draw an energy-flow diagram.
- Explain one limitation of a single global-average model.
Misconception check
Albedo is a fraction, not the amount of energy itself.
Formative check
What two terms dominate a simple top-of-system energy balance?
Reveal response
Incoming/absorbed solar energy and outgoing reflected/emitted radiation.
Mentor evidence conference
Ask Archaemenes to separate direct measurement from inference and audit model assumptions.
Teacher guidance
Foundation: Use energy-flow arrows.
Core: Calculate and interpret fluxes.
Extended: Analyze feedbacks and spatial/temporal variability.