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The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Heat, Temperature, and Atmospheric Circulation

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Heat, Temperature, and Atmospheric Circulation

A Middle School STEM lesson

Brian Clifford

1/24/2024

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Notes for teachers

This is a multi day lesson.

This lesson is intended for Middle School students.

The PowerPoint is an introduction to heat and atmospheric circulation.

The activity reinforces the concepts from the PowerPoint and uses models and measurement.

The worksheet allows students to practice math concepts applied to weather.

The assessment has multiple choice, short answer and experimental design.

List of Materials

PowerPoint “Heat, Temperature, and Atmospheric Circulation” https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1aAEeLoKqOx2Nu8RDLzK79pLxeSzFnDHqtz322fUnzbE/edit?usp=sharing

Activity “Heat, Temperature, and Atmospheric Circulation” https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X17dT_lXtH9RXhofkyZMpURHV4PUAXK7XpUnPpuBnbs/edit?usp=sharing

Worksheet “Heat, Temperature, and Atmospheric Circulation”

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rZdAW2Ea6rZeyF9B7nP9WNR8AlbKlTndW2oKfQ9aFYA/edit?usp=sharing

Assessment “Heat, Temperature, and Atmospheric Circulation” https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nOmPb3mbosenRFKkLpBfb63FkQg-N4YY7PmwOb8vewQ/edit?usp=sharing

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Standards

Science Standard

6.E1U1.6

Investigate and construct an explanation demonstrating that radiation from the Sun provides energy and is absorbed to warm the Earth’s surface and atmosphere.

6.E2U1.10

Investigate and construct an explanation demonstrating that radiation from the Sun provides energy and is absorbed to warm the Earth’s surface and atmosphere.

7.E1U1.5

Construct a model that shows the cycling of matter and flow of energy in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

Standards

Math

6.SP.A.1 Recognize a statistical question as one that anticipates variability in the data related to the question and accounts for variability in the answers.

6.SP.B.4 Display and interpret numerical data by creating plots on a number line including histograms, dot plots, and box plots.

7.NS.A.1 Add and subtract integers and other rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number line diagram.

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Objective:

Students will use models to demonstrate the effect of heat on atmospheric circulation.

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Agenda

PowerPoint “Heat, Temperature, and Atmospheric Circulation”

Activity “Heat, Temperature, and Atmospheric Circulation”

Worksheet “Heat, Temperature, and Atmospheric Circulation”

Assessment “Heat, Temperature, and Atmospheric Circulation”

It may be to the student’s advantage to complete the worksheet before the Activity.

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

What causes wind, rain and other weather?

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

  • Groups of 2-4.
  • Distribute the activity instructions and materials.
  • Take students outside to make temperature measurements at different locations, in shade, sun, near the building, away.
  • Students map their results and discuss.
  • Students work through the heat transfer exercise.
  • Students build a model of atmospheric circulation.

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Assessment

Have students complete the “Heat, Temperature, and Atmospheric Circulation” Assessment.

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Differentiation

For students requiring remediation, selectively remove portions of the Heat, Temperature, and Atmospheric Circulation activity. Notes can be provided for the PowerPoint.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment