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WP 2.1

Last updated almost 3 years ago
14 questions

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

1

Which statement best describes how the sun heats the air?

1

Which of the following best explains why two air parcels might be different temperatures?

1

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?

1

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?


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:
2

  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.

1

What did you notice about what happens to an air parcel after it heats up?

1

What determines if an air parcel will rise?

1

Which air parcel rose the highest?

0

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)

0

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...

0

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

1

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?

0

Explain why you selected that answer choice.

Hint: Think about energy transfer.

0

OPTIONAL: What slide was the symbol on?

One point extra credit if correct!