Foundations of Physical Science Workshop: Variations in the Heating and Cooling of Earth.
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Transcript of Foundations of Physical Science Workshop: Variations in the Heating and Cooling of Earth.
Foundations of Physical ScienceWorkshop: Variations in the
Heating and Cooling of Earth
Key Question
What causes the seasons?
Two part InvestigationFirst ,we will measure how
variations in DISTANCE effect light intensity
Then, we will measure the light intensity at different PLACES on the globe
Light Intensity and Solar Energy Greater tilt angle spreads the light out over more area
More direct light = more energy/area = greater intensity
Areas with greater intensity will heat more
Developing a hypothesis about the seasons
Setting up your model of Earth’s orbit around the
sun The light represents the sun
Measure the light intensity with the solar cell and multimeter
Compare values
Measuring Light Intensity based on Distance
Four distances
A – 150 cm
B – 147 cm
C – 149 cm
D – 153 cm
Results
Position Distance from the sun (km)
Scale distance from the sun (cm)
Light intensity (mA)
A 150,000,000 150
B 147,000,000
C 149,000,000
D 153,000,000
Results
Position Distance from the sun (km)
Scale distance from the sun (cm)
Light intensity (mA)
A 150,000,000 150 1.02
B 147,000,000 147 1.09
C 149,000,000 149 1.07
D 153,000,000 153 0.98
How does Earth’s tilt affect the sun’s intensity?
How does Earth’s tilt affect the sun’s intensity?
Findings What role does axial tilt play in the intensity
of light on Earth?
At which position (A-D) and latitude does Earth receive the most light? The least light?
Which factor, distance or axial tilt, plays the most significant role in casing the seasons?
Was your hypothesis supported by your results?
Where is Summer in the Northern Hemisphere? (and
why) From position D to A is summer for the Northern Hemisphere
That is the segment of Earth’s orbit where the Northern Hemisphere is pointing at the sun and getting the most direct, and therefore most intense light