Watching the Weather
Standards
6.3.5 Use models or drawings to explain that the Earth has different
seasons and weather patterns because it turns daily on an axis that is
tilted relative to the plane of the Earth’s yearly orbit around the sun.
Know that because of this, sunlight falls more intensely on different parts
of the Earth during the year (the accompanying greater length of days
also has an effect) and the difference in heating produces season and
weather patterns.
Objectives
The student will be able to graphically show that temperature and daylight are influence
one another.
Required Materials


Computer workstation with Microsoft Excel and Internet access.
Tempdaylight.doc and tempdaylight.xls files
Introduction
The seasons are controlled by the Earth’s orientation to the sun.
Procedures
1. Give students tempdaylight.doc handout.
2. Have students work alone or in groups.
3. Instruct students to open the tempdaylight.xls file. It is often convenient to locate
this on a network drive. Make sure students copy the file to their own computer.
4. Instruct students to open the websites listed on the tempdaylight.doc handout.
5. Using the data found on these website, have students input the data into the
tempdaylight.xls spreadsheet. Make sure that students follow the directions for
inputting the data. All data must be input in the 4.26 format not 4:26.
6. When students have completed the spreadsheet have them save or print off a
copy.
7. Students should then write a paragraph explaining the trends seen in the graphs.
Worksheets
Tempdaylight.doc is attached.
Closure
Many students have difficulty interpreting graphs. It is often best to follow the data input
with a discussion of the graphs.
Assessment