Choose a month and look at it over a few different years. What do you notice about the temperature change from the 30 year average (represented as 0)?
Overview
In this lesson, students use a "data snapshot" model to look at temperature and precipitation data since 2000. This is a great lesson to discuss features of maps, especially the color scale and what the different units mean. In the temperature maps, students are comparing current data each year to a prior 30 year average represented as 0. In the precipitation maps, students are comparing current data each year to a prior 30 year average represented as 100%.
In the model there are sensors on 5 major cities in the Great Lakes, Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Buffalo. The data is recorded in CODAP and students can use the graphing feature to see how the amount changes in different cities over a number of years.
In the next lesson they look at the long term changes, so this lesson really focuses on understanding how to read the maps, what information they are getting from the maps, and looking over time at a particular city or month to see if they can determine any trends.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards
- Earth and Space Sciences
- [MS-ESS2-4] Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth’s systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.
- NGSS Crosscutting Concept
- Patterns
- Energy
- Stability and Change
- NGSS Practice
- Analyzing Data
- Constructing Explanations, Designing Solutions
- Using Models
- Conducting Investigations
Computational Thinking in STEM
- Data Practices
- Analyzing Data
- Collecting Data
- Visualizing Data
- Modeling and Simulation Practices
- Using Computational Models to Understand a Concept
- Constructing Computational Models
- Systems Thinking Practices
- Understanding the Relationships within a System
Credits
Climate.gov data snapshot
Activities
- 1. Data Snapshot Tool
Student Directions and Resources
We will analyze what the past 20 years have looked like in the Great Lakes. To do this we will use a simulation that uses Climate.gov data. You will be looking at 4 different months (1 per season) over the past 18-19 years.
We want to see if what has happened since 2000 tells us anything about future temperature and precipitation projections. We also want to see how these changes look seasonally. You will collect and record data, then we will have a class discussion to think about what this data means.
1. Data Snapshot Tool
Use the simulation below to collect data. Collect data for temperature or precipitation by changing the months or years and clicking "record data" before you move to the next month/year. Use the graphing feature to visualize your data, by dragging from the table the variable you want on the x or y axis.
Notes on using the simulation:
- Make sure "auto update" is clicked (dark blue), so the map will update.
- Wait a few seconds after changing month or year for the map to update (you will see the new map show up).
- Change the months or years to see look for patterns in the data.
- Look at temperature or precipitation maps.
Question 1.1
Question 1.2
Choose a month and look at it over a few different years. What do you notice about the precipitation change from the 30 year average (represented as 100%)?
Question 1.3
Do certain cities have more temperature change than others? Explain using at least 5 pieces of evidence.
Question 1.4
Do certain cities have more precipitation change than others? Explain using at least 5 pieces of evidence.
