Movement of Air

In this assignment you will see how surface temperature affects air temperature, air movement, and cloud formation.

Part 1: Investigating the Temperature of Air

You will use a convection tube to see how surface temperature affects the temperature of the air above. This follows chapter 4 of the Catastrophic Events book.

Procedure:

1. Observe the teacher using the convection tube.

2. Write a hypothesis on your Movement of Air assignment sheet.

3. Follow the instructions 5-12 (skip step 7) on pp. 44-45 of the Catastrophic Events book.

4. On your Movement of Air assignment sheet, fill in your data and conclusion.

5. In your journal, answer reflection questions 1 A-D on p. 45 of the Catastrophic Events book.

Part 2: Investigating How Warm Air and Cool Air Move

The temperature of a surface affects the movement of the air above it.

Procedure:

1. Observe the teacher using the convection tube.

2. Write two predictions for how the temperature of the air affects air movement. Do this on your Movement of Air assignment sheet.

3. Follow instructions 3-9 on pp. 46-47 of the Catastrophic Events book.

4. On your Movement of Air assignment sheet, record your temperatures and create two labeled diagrams, one for hot and one for cold.

5. In your journal, answer reflection questions 1 A-E on p. 48 of the Catastrophic Events book.

6. Read "Air Masses" on p. 49 of the Catastrophic Events book.

Note: This follows the steps in chapter 4 of the Catastrophic Events book.

Part 3: Atmosphere Recap

Watch Bill Nye's Atmosphere (season 2, episode 19). While watching, fill out the Bill Nye Atmosphere assignment sheet.