How is Air Heated Up?
Learning Target
Students will create a model of how the atmosphere is heated.
Success Criteria
I can describe how thermal energy can be transferred within a system.
I understand how the atmosphere is heated.
I can create my own example to describe the heating of the atmosphere.
Questions to Ponder
What is a system? Where have you heard the term before?
What happens when things get hot or cold?
In the previous lesson we talked about a thermometer. Is a thermometer a system? How do you know?
Construct a Model
Procedure
With your team, construct (draw) a model of the way the air above the Earth is heated. Use arrows to show the transfer of energy. Your model should include the energy source, what is being heated, and any process that is taking place.
Be prepared to share and explain your model.
Lab - Investigating Heat Transfer
Key Concepts
The sun emits light (solar energy).
Light is the source of energy.
Light can be reflected, transmitted, or absorbed.
When light energy is absorbed, it can be converted to thermal energy.
Questions to Ponder
Is the atmosphere the only thing that is being heated by the sun? How do you know?
What examples can you think of in which thermal energy is transferred between objects?
Teams
Role Teams - all Facilitators, all Learning Monitors, etc.
What Will We Do?
We will determine if thermal energy can be transferred from one object to another.
Procedures
Question - Can thermal energy be transferred from one object to another?
Diagram the lab set-up using the provided paper. Label the following; ring stand, metal rod, hot plate, shortening samples. (see below)
During the lab, the hot plate will be turned on and we will make observations and collect data. CAUTION! - the hot plate will be extremely...you guessed it...HOT!
As a team, design a table that will collect data to record what happens to each shortening sample.
Make sure that every member of your team has a copy of the data table. They will be using it later when answering the CER question.
Make a prediction; What do you think will happen? Why will it happen the way you think?
During the Lab:
Record your start time at the top of the data table.
Record the times when you notice changes in system.
Analyze your data to look for patterns.
Back to Teams
What patterns did you observe?
Explain the pattern(s).
Using what you learned in the What is Temperature lesson, describe what is happening in the lab.
Reading
Lesson 2 Reading One:
With a partner, read Why Does Conduction Matter? on page 21-22 in the WHAT MAKES THE WEATHER CHANGE? text.
Stop and discuss the questions during the reading.
Partner Monitoring
As you read, refer back to the main question from the lab: Can thermal energy be transferred from one object to another?
Think back to the lab to recall evidence of conduction.
From the reading, identify the reasoning or science facts that support the evidence.
Conclusion
Click on the following link to show your understanding of how heat energy can be transferred through matter.
You may use your notes to answer the question.
Meteorology