Why is it so Hot in Las Vegas?

Clock Activity Identify Student conceptions as to Why it is so hot in Las Vegas.

Is it Hot because it is a Desert or is it a Desert because it is Hot? Conceptions Is it Hot because it is a Desert or is it a Desert because it is Hot? Latitude Rainshadow Closer to the Sun Tourist Population Growth Desert

Deserts Activity Class Discussion Given a Mercator world map identify locations of major desert. Identify similarities and difference about location. Class Discussion Identify Characteristics of Desert Introduce Sahara, Kalahari, and Mojave as desert for comparison

Inquiry Lab Convection Currents Coriolis Effect Tilt

Convection Currents Five Labs – Short 15 minutes observational labs Requirements: Illustrate components for convection

Coriolis Demonstration – Record Player and Marble Questions/ Discussion

Tilt Factor Flashlight Inquiry Vernier - Angle of Insolation Lab Area Del Sol Calculate the area of the distribution of light at different angles Vernier - Angle of Insolation Lab Collect Data for the angles in Area Del Sol using Vernier Correlate Temperature and Area of Insolation Identify other “Del Sol” angles as warmer or cooler.

How closer are we to the Sun? Specifically address conception of “closer to the sun”

Relate to Climatic Factors Teacher-Centered Closure Pressure Cells Wind Patterns Ocean Currents

Article and Internet Model Demonstrating Humidity, Dew Points and Temperature related to warm and cold ocean currents.

Explain the temperature component only 55 70 85 35 113 103

Inquiry Challenge Facilitate students drawing on previous knowledge to address the rain aspect. Inquiry Challenge Explain conclusions using scientific evidence

Those Darn Tourist Urban Island Labs What temperature tells us about absorbed sunlight on different materials. Behavior of light How light interacts with matter

Urban Island & Pollution Webquest

Inquiry Challenge Develop a master planned community that is designed to reduce pollution and the urban island effect.

Assessment Provide students with their responses to the Clock Activity. (Previous Knowledge/Conceptions Activity) Self-assessment students will reexamine their previous views in light of new evidence and make corrections where necessary or site evidence from lab and research to support their prior conception as correct.

Nevada State Science Standards P.12.C.5. E.12.B.1 E.12.B.3 E.12.B.5 P.12.B.4 P.12.C.5 P.12.C.3 L.12.C.4 P.8.C.5 E.8.C.7 L.12.C.4 E.8.C.2 E.8.C.5 E.8.A.2 E.8.A.5 E.8.A.6 P.8.C.5 E.8.A.1 L.8.C.2 P.8.A.1