Earth's energy budget, atmospheric composition and albedo are at the heart of this Grade 11 Science worksheet on weather, energy and climate. Students investigate how incoming solar radiation is reflected or absorbed, how Earth releases energy as outgoing infrared radiation, and how greenhouse gases influence the balance. The resource connects these processes to climate evidence, giving students practice with both scientific explanations and the calculations used to describe energy transfer.

Follow the energy, examine the atmosphere

The reading passage introduces Earth's energy budget and explains how clouds, aerosols, ice and bright surfaces contribute to albedo. Students consider what happens after the surface and atmosphere absorb solar energy, including how greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit infrared radiation and slow the loss of energy to space.

A key distinction is made between the greenhouse effect and stratospheric ozone depletion. The worksheet asks students to recognise that these involve different atmospheric processes and different types of radiation. It also introduces climate forcings and feedbacks, using increased greenhouse gas concentration as an initial forcing and the water-vapour response to warming as an example of a feedback that can strengthen the change.

Apply the science to climate evidence

Questions move from identifying concepts to applying them. Students calculate absorbed solar radiation from incoming and reflected values, then use albedo to calculate reflected and absorbed radiation in W/m². The calculation task requires working to be shown and answers to be reported to three significant figures.

Carbon sources and sinks add another important part of the climate system. Students examine how burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, while vegetation growth and ocean uptake remove and store carbon. They also consider how scientists compare atmospheric measurements, including SI units, instrument resolution, stated uncertainty and the need to communicate evidence carefully.

The worksheet includes multiple-choice questions, true-or-false statements, short-answer explanations, a labelled diagram, a categorizing activity and a short note. These tasks address albedo, greenhouse gases, ozone depletion, climate forcing and feedback, carbon sinks, energy-budget calculations and the interpretation of measurement uncertainty.

What is included

• Printable Grade 11 Science worksheet on atmospheric composition, Earth's energy budget and climate processes.
• Separate PDF answer key for checking student responses.
• Student Notes lines at the bottom of the worksheet.
• Teacher Guide inside the Answer Key PDF, with Learning Objectives, Teaching Tips, Discussion Questions and Common Mistakes.

Using the resource in a climate unit

Use this Earth science worksheet after introducing solar radiation and the atmosphere, or as a review that brings energy balance, greenhouse warming and carbon cycling together. The numerical problems provide an opportunity to practise showing calculations and using significant figures, while the questions about ozone depletion, forcings and feedbacks help clarify concepts that are often confused. The measurement scenario also opens discussion about why uncertainty and instrument resolution matter when comparing scientific observations.

For teachers covering weather, energy and climate, this resource combines atmospheric science, quantitative practice and evidence-based communication in one focused lesson activity. The separate answer key and teacher guidance make it easier to check student work and prepare follow-up discussion.