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.

 
Antarctica: What's the Angle? Activity

 

  • More About This Resource...

    • 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.

    • Completion Time

      Approximately 1 period

    • 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

    • 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