Science Content:
Describe how the positions and motions of the objects in the universe cause predictable and cyclic events.
Distinguish between fact and opinion and explain how ideas and conclusions change as new knowledge is gained.
Develop descriptions, explanations and models using evidence to defend/support findings.
Estimated Time: 2 hours
During this lesson students will simulate how differential heating occurs on the Earth's surface and it is always warmer at the equator than the poles. They will then continue this investigation of how slanted light does not heat objects as quickly as direct light through multiple experiments.
Part 1: The students will work as a class to simulate how the a globe is lit by the sun at various angles. They will make observations of how the light is diffused over the globe as it moves.
Part 2: Students will then make a thermometer experiment to test the amount of heat produced at varying angles by a light. They will collect and graph their data from the experiment.
Part 3: Students will use a flashlight, white card stock and grid paper to simulate the surface area that the light covers at varying angles.