Relationship between physical geology and climate data

1
Relationship between physical geology and climate
data

• L. Smetana, M. Guy, E. Brunsell

2
Research Focus

• How does annual temperature range vary based on
  location within the United States (coastal vs.
  inland, same latitude)?
• Expected answer Students should find that
  coastal areas are more temperate than
  landlocked areas.
• Big Idea Large bodies of water moderate
  temperatures. Climate patterns are associated
  with geography.

3
Context

• This question leads to an understanding of some
  of the relationships between geography and
  climate.
• The question is fruitful and leads to multiple
  opportunities for future investigations.

4
Method

• Introduce the question by having students use
  prior knowledge of the local temperature range.
  Ask students to predict how it would compare to a
  different location.
• Use appropriate data sets to collect temperature
  data for specific U.S. Cities
• - www.weather.com (vacation planner)
• http//www.weather.com/activities/travel/vacationp
  lanner/?fromsecondarynav-
• - www.wunderground.com
• (seasonal weather averages)
• - www.weatherbase.com

5
Method

• Plot data on a U.S. map.
• Students identify patterns in data.
• Draw conclusions with age appropriate rationale.

6
Data Summary
http//tinyurl.com/9g2e8v
Weather Channel
7
Data Summary

• State your results in word form.
• You may either write a paragraph or use bullet
  statements.

8
Conclusion
9
Implications

• Additional Questions-
• What off season month would you rather visit a
  beach
• Ocean temps www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/index.htm
  l
• Where would you like to live (vacation)
• US Climate Atlas
• Create a weather chart daily weather over time
• National Weather Service

10
Educator Implications

• Data collection from these sites may be difficult
  for children (or appear too difficult) and
  therefore create concern from pre-service
  teachers.