Latitude & Sunlight Investigation Lab

Elsa·

Climate

Preview

At a Glance

Grade Level6th Grade

SubjectClimate

Original Prompt

☀ Investigation Lab Sheet Investigation 3: Latitude & Sunlight Driving Question: How does latitude affect climate? Objective Students will model how the angle of sunlight changes with latitude and how this affects temperature. Materials Flashlight (Sun model) Globe or ball (Earth model) Ruler or measuring tape Paper Step 1: Model the Sunlight Shine a flashlight directly at the middle of the globe (equator). Observe how the light spreads. Shine the flashlight toward the top of the glo...

This document outlines an investigation aimed at exploring the relationship between sunlight, latitude, and climate. Students engage in a hands-on model to observe how different angles of sunlight affect temperature and climate patterns across various latitudes. The activity encourages collaboration through defined roles—Light Controller, Data Recorder, Pattern Analyzer, and Materials Manager—allowing students to actively participate in the scientific inquiry. Background knowledge is fortified with definitions of key terms such as latitude, climate, and angle of sunlight. The investigation includes detailed procedures, observations, and discussions aimed at identifying patterns in climate data while applying scientific vocabulary. Furthermore, students are prompted to reflect on real-world climate zones and present their findings, incorporating peer feedback and conclusion writing. This resource is beneficial for educators aiming to enhance students' understanding of climatic impact due to solar distribution.