Convection Currents

In this assignment you will see what happens when air masses with the same and with different temperatures and humidity conditions meet.

Part 1: Convection Currents

You will connect two convection tubes and see convection currents (circulation of air). This follows chapter 5 of the Catastrophic Events book.

Procedure:

1. Observe the teacher using the convection tube apparatus.

2. Write two hypotheses on your Convection Currents assignment sheet.

3. Follow steps 6-9 on p. 57 of the Catastrophic Events book.

4. On your Convection Currents assignment sheet, fill in your labeled diagrams and Claim/Evidence/Reason.

5. In your journal, answer reflection questions 1 A-C on p. 58 of the Catastrophic Events book.

Part 2: Wind

Read "Why Does the Wind Blow?" and "Weather Fronts" on pp. 59-63 of the Catastrophic Events book.

In your journal, answer the following:

1. Describe how uneven heating of land and water causes sea breezes.

2. Describe how uneven heating of land and water causes land breezes

3. Explain why you think tornadoes happen more often in Tornado Alley than any other place on Earth.

Coriolis Effect Model: Using a large circle on a piece of paper with x's on either side of the circle, try to draw a straight line from one x to the other while your table mates spin the circle.

Convection Model: Cut out the Coriolis Effect Spiral and tie a piece of fishing line to the top. Hold the model over a lamp for a few minutes to observe convection in action.

Watch Bill Nye Wind (season 2, episode 2).

While watching, please fill out the Bill Nye Wind assignment sheet.

Part 3: Raging Planet Hurricane

Read "Hurricane Mitch" on pp. 78-79 of the Catastrophic Events book.

Watch Raging Planet Hurricane.

Complete the Raging Planet: Hurricane assignment sheet.

Part 4: Bill Nye Storms

Watch Bill Nye Storms (season 5, episode 16).

Complete the Bill Nye Storms assignment sheet.