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What does the Earth look like from a satellite image? |
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What does the Earth look like from a satellite image? |
| From your desk, look out the window at the sky. How much
sky can you see? What could you do or where would you have to go to
increase your view of the sky? Where would you have to go if you wanted
to see the sky over entire United States?
Meteorologists have tried to increase the amount of sky they can observe at any given time using various instruments and tools. Weather balloons, airplanes, and satellites are examples of tools used to gather weather-related data. Following the launch of the Russian satellite Sputnik in 1957, satellites began to play an important role in providing pictures of the Earth. Many types of satellites orbit the Earth. There are navigational, military, communication, broadcasting, scientific, and weather satellites. Today, there are thousands of satellites orbiting the Earth. During this activity, you will use online sources to observe the Earth from a satellite view. 1. Go online and find a website that shows aerial photos of the Earth. Here are a few choices: 2. Click on the United States on the Microsoft TerraServer site. Discover how to view aerial shots of different regions of the United States. 3. In your journal sketch North America and draw boundary lines between Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Label these three countries on your sketch. 4. Outline your state (New Jersey) on your sketch. Try to be as neat as possible. 5. See if you can locate an aerial view of your town. 6. Adjust the zoom in and out. See if you can recognize any of the buildings or structures in your town. Zoom into the area where you live. See if you can locate your house. Then zoom all the way out. 7. Try to recognize the building in the center of the following picture. (Hint: It is in the District of Columbia). Click here for the picture. Zoom in and out of this picture.
8. Pick another structure or land feature that you would like to view from a satellite image. Use the famous places link on the Microsoft TerraServer page for some great suggestions. Zoom out and in to see what is near this landmark. Complete some research to see what city this landmark is near. Note what you see in your journal.
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What will the weather be like tomorrow? |
| You just used satellite images to locate structures and
land features. How are satellites used in weather forecasting and
tracking patterns?
Imagine yourself as a meteorologist. You will be looking at weather fronts and clouds from the satellite images to find and understand patterns of change around your local area. Your town is counting on you to do your best to make accurate predictions. You will be collecting information, charting results, and writing a weather report for the local newspaper. Use the following online sources to view current satellite images of North America. NOAA- National Weather Service Meteorological Service of Canada You should be able to see the cloud formations moving across the country. Then narrow your view to an area around where you live. Collect and chart weather data every hour during the school day for your area. Make a data table to record time, date, location, and observed weather patterns. Draw maps if needed. you should discuss some of the things you learned in this learning cycle during the forecast. You should be able to explain your forecast. Meteorologists often communicate their findings through television, radio, Internet, or newspaper weather reports. You are required to produce a newspaper weather report. Write a weather report for your local newspaper that describes the patterns you have observed. If you have bodies of water near your area (e.g., lakes of oceans) explain the effects that water has on air temperature. The newspaper has given you 200 square centimeters of space to present your forecast. The content of your report should utilize the space requirement provided to you for layout purposes. |
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How do mountain ranges influence rainfall? |
| A cloud is a mass of particles containing water droplets
or ice crystals. The particles in clouds are so small and light that
they are suspended in the atmosphere by air currents. Clouds form when
particles (i.e. dust or smoke) are present in the air and when water
vapor reaches its dew point.
Precipitation occurs when the water droplets or ice crystals fall from clouds. The water droplets or ice crystals fall because they are denser than the surrounding air. How often does it rain or snow in different places in the world? As a team, choose one of the following scenarios and task to complete. Scenario 1 You are going on a much needed vacation. Before you leave home, you need to pack your suitcase. While packing, you are unsure of what types of clothes you should wear on your vacation. Will it be sunny and hot or will it be cool and rainy? You decide to complete some research to find out. Task Pick three prospective places in the world that you would like to visit. You have a week to spend in the place of your choice. Since you are making plans months in advance, you need to complete research to determine what the weather may be like. Remember, weather can change from day to day and sometimes minute by minute. In your research, indicate the time of the year that you will be traveling, the average relative humidity during that time period, and the chance for precipitation during your visit. Use fractions and percentages to help you communicate your findings. Scenario 2 Your family has won a trip to Kauai, Hawaii over winter break. The contest that promoted the trip informs you that your family will experience all of Kauai. You will experience helicopter trips around Mount Waialeale and will camp one night in Kokee State Park. You know the Hawaiian Islands are well known for great beaches, mild temperatures, and breath-taking waterfalls. You are curious what the weather conditions will be like during your visit. Will different locations on the mountain have different weather patterns? Task As a team, complete research to determine what the weather may be like for the various places on the island of Kauai. Develop a presentation to communicate your findings to the rest of your family. Provide explanations of why places on the same island can have weather patterns that vary considerably. Your explanations should be supported with illustrations. |
