1. Relationship between physical geology and climate data L. Smetana, M. Guy, E. Brunsell

2. Research Focus How does annual temperature range vary based on location within the United States (coastal vs. inland, same latitude)? How does annual temperature range vary based on location within the United States (coastal vs. inland, same latitude)? Expected answer: Students should find that coastal areas are more temperate than “landlocked” areas. Expected answer: Students should find that coastal areas are more temperate than “landlocked” areas. Big Idea: Large bodies of water moderate temperatures. Climate patterns are associated with geography. Big Idea: Large bodies of water moderate temperatures. Climate patterns are associated with geography.

3. Context : This question leads to an understanding of some of the relationships between geography and climate. This question leads to an understanding of some of the relationships between geography and climate. The question is fruitful and leads to multiple opportunities for future investigations. The question is fruitful and leads to multiple opportunities for future investigations.

4. Method Introduce the question by having students use prior knowledge of the local temperature range. Ask students to predict how it would compare to a different location. Use appropriate data sets to collect temperature data for specific U.S. Cities - www.weather.com (vacation planner) http://www.weather.com/activities/travel/vacationplanner/?from=secondarynav- - www.wunderground.com www.wunderground.com (seasonal weather averages) - www.weatherbase.com www.weatherbase.com

5. Method Plot data on a U.S. map. Students identify patterns in data. Draw conclusions with age appropriate rationale.

6. Data Summary : http://tinyurl.com/9g2e8vWeather Channel:

7. Data Summary State your results in word form. State your results in word form. You may either write a paragraph or use bullet statements. You may either write a paragraph or use bullet statements.

8. Conclusion

9. Implications Additional Questions- Additional Questions- What “off season” month would you rather visit a beach What “off season” month would you rather visit a beach Ocean temps: www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/index.html Ocean temps: www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/index.htmlwww.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/index.html Where would you like to live (vacation) Where would you like to live (vacation) US Climate Atlas US Climate Atlas Create a weather chart – daily weather over time Create a weather chart – daily weather over time National Weather Service National Weather Service

10. Educator Implications Data collection from these sites may be difficult for children (or appear too difficult) and therefore create “concern” from pre- service teachers. Data collection from these sites may be difficult for children (or appear too difficult) and therefore create “concern” from pre- service teachers.