What's the Angle?
Why is there such a dramatic temperature change between the equator and the South Pole? Explore all the angles of sunlight with a few thermometers and a heat lamp.
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More About This Resource...
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This classroom activity helps students understand how the angle of the Sun affects temperatures around the globe. After experimenting with a heat lamp and thermometers at differing angles, students apply what they learned to explain temperature variations on Earth. The printable six-page handout includes:
- A series of inquiry-based questions to get students thinking about what they already know about temperature patterns.
- Detailed experiment directions.
- A worksheet that helps students use the experiment results to gain a deeper understanding of seasonal temperature changes and why Antarctica is always so cold.
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Completion Time
Approximately 1 period
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Topic
Earth Science -
Subtopic
Climate/Climate Change -
Subtopic
National Science Education Standards
Grades 5-8:
Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A:• abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry• understanding about scientific inquiry
Earth and Space Science CONTENT STANDARD D:
• structure of the earth system• earth in the solar system
History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G:
• nature of science
Grades 9-12:
Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A:• abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry• understanding about scientific inquiry
Earth and Space Science CONTENT STANDARD D:
• origin and evolution of the earth system
History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G:
• nature of scientific knowledge
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Learning Standard
National Science Education Standards
Grades 5-8:
Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A:• abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry• understanding about scientific inquiry
Earth and Space Science CONTENT STANDARD D:
• structure of the earth system• earth in the solar system
History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G:
• nature of science
Grades 9-12:
Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A:• abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry• understanding about scientific inquiry
Earth and Space Science CONTENT STANDARD D:
• origin and evolution of the earth system
History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G:
• nature of scientific knowledge
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