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WP 2.1

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Last updated over 3 years ago
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WP 2.1: Air Parcels in the Troposphere

Objective: KWBAT gather data from the simulation to explain how energy transfer can determine how high an air parcel will rise.

Part 1: Warm Up

Question 1
1.

Question 2
2.

Question 3
3.

Question 4
4.


Part 2: Cooling Air Parcels

In Chapter 1, we learned that rain can occur when the water vapor in an air parcel condenses. We also know that the more an air parcel loses energy and cools, the more rain can happen. But what determines how much an air parcel will cool?

To find out more about what might be adding to the severe rainfall in Galetown besides the lake, we are going to use the Simulation to gather data about what increases rainfall.

Launch the Weather Patterns Simulation
Part 1: Cooling Air Parcels
  1. Launch the Weather Patterns Simulation
  2. Go to Regional Weather 1 mode:
Question 5
5.

  1. Using the sunlight feature, make air parcels of different temperatures: warm, and cold.
  2. Observe and record the starting air parcel temperature of each test and how high each one rises.

SURFACE WATER LEVEL 3 FOR ALL TESTS.

  • Hot has already been done for you!
  • Final height of the air parcel is troposphere height (left side)
  • Use the analyze to collect and record the data.

Question 6
6.

Question 7
7.

Question 8
8.

Question 9
9.

What do you notice about the temperature of the surrounding air at different heights above Earth’s surface?

Hint: The hotter the air parcel, the ______...


Part 3: Warm Air Parcel in the Classroom

(start video at minute 6:35)

Question 10
10.

What happened to the plastic bag after it was heated? Why did this happen?

Sentence Starter:
After the air in the bag was heated, the bag...

Question 11
11.

What happened to the plastic bag after the candles were extinguished (turned off)?
Why did this happen?

Sentence Starter:
After the candles were extinguished, the bag...


Part 4: Exit Ticket

Question 12
12.

Question 13
13.

Explain why you selected that answer choice.

Hint: Think about energy transfer.

Question 14
14.

OPTIONAL: What slide was the symbol on?

One point extra credit if correct!

Which statement best describes how the sun heats the air?
Energy from the sun is transferred to Earth's surface, and some of this energy is then transferred to the air.
Energy from the sun is transferred to the air.
Which of the following best explains why two air parcels might be different temperatures?
One air parcel has less molecules than the other.
One air parcel has more water vapor than the other.
One air parcel has more energy than the other.
Day 1 and Day 2 in San Angelo started with the same amount of water vapor in the air parcels in the area. It rained at the end of Day 1 but it did not rain at the end of Day 2.

What could have happened with the air parcel to cause rainfall on Day 1?
The air parcel was warmer than the surrounding air, so it lost energy.
The air parcel was warmer than the surrounding air, so it gained energy.
The air parcel was at the same low temperature as the surrounding air, so it had low energy.
Aaron put a bottle of water on the desk and left the room. When he came back, he found water drops on the outside of the bottle.

Where did the water on the outside of the bottle come from?
The air in the room. Oxygen in the air turned into liquid water.
The air in the room. Water vapor in the air turned into liquid water.
Water inside the bottle. The water leaked through the bottle.
What did you notice about what happens to an air parcel after it heats up?
Fall (go down in the troposphere)
Rise (go up into troposphere)
Stay at the same height
What determines if an air parcel will rise?
The air parcel is warmer than the surrounding air.
The air parcel is at the same temperature as the surrounding air.
The air parcel is colder than the surrounding air.
Which air parcel rose the highest?
cold air parcel
warm air parcel
hot air parcel
Air parcel 1 has an air temperature of 12°C. Air Parcel 2 has an air temperature of 29°C.

Both air parcels are surrounded by air at 12 °C.

Which air parcel will not be able to rise?
Air Parcel 1
Air Parcel 2
There is not enough information to determine.