Where in the World is Iowa?

CloudSAT/AIM/Globe WorkshopJune 2007

Heather Smith, Mark Foster, Mitch Rorris, & Janet Blake-Perry

Making Connections

Abstract

• The purpose of this project is to collect data to compare temperature and cloud cover between coastal and inland locations. Students will work with GLOBE protocols and CloudSat data to report the findings and to draw conclusions about the two locations.

Standards Addressed• ES.1: The student will plan and conduct investigations in which temperature,

pressure, and changes in elevation/depth are calculated utilizing the most appropriate tools [computers, probeware, and global positioning systems (GPS)] are used to collect, analyze, and report data and to demonstrate concepts and simulate experimental conditions.

• ES.2: The student will demonstrate scientific reasoning and logic.

• ES.3: The student will investigate and understand how to read and interpret maps, globes, models, charts, and imagery.

• ES.12: The student will investigate and understand the origin and evolution of the atmosphere and the interrelationship of geologic processes, biologic processes, and human activities on its composition and dynamics.

• ES.13: The student will investigate and understand that energy transfer between the sun and the Earth and its atmosphere drives weather and climate on Earth. Key concepts include observation and collection of weather data, prediction of weather patterns, weather phenomena, and the factors that affect climate including radiation and convection.

Hypothesis & Introduction

• Is there a difference in temperature & cloud formation between coastal and inland locations?

• If temperature and cloud formation is observed over the course of a year in coastal Virginia and western Iowa (inland), then coastal locations will have milder weather and less cumulonimbus clouds.

Procedures

• Students will use:• GLOBE cloud

protocol: cloud chart, digital camera, convex mirror, data sheet.

• GLOBE temperature protocol: weather station, data sheet.

Results• Students will graph the results of

the temperature data using Logger Pro.

• Students will analyze the data by answering questions and making inferences concerning climatologic differences based on geographical location.

• Extension: students will correlate the cloud data with CloudSat’s data.

Concerns

• Funding for a weather station and teleconferencing software

• Administrative & faculty support

• Planning & organizing• Collaborating between two

locations• Time constraints

References

• http://www.globe.gov

• http://cloudsat.atmos.colostate.edu

Tenga un viaje bueno en casa!

Avoir un bon voyage à la maison!

Take off, eh!

Have a good trip home!