Resource Type
Activity
Region
Arctic
Completion Time
About 1 period
Grade
Middle School and Up
Permission
Download, Share, and Remix
Author(s)
Catherine Campbell
Materials
Computers
Internet access
Document (attached)
Topic
General Earth Science
Earth Science
Polar Science
General Polar Science

Overview

Students will review charts of day length to determine when the sun will set at Toolik Lake.

Objective

Students will learn the following:

  • The sun is the major source of energy for phenomena on the earth's surface, such as growth of plants, winds, ocean currents, and the water cycle.
  • Seasons result from variations in the amount of the sun's energy hitting the surface, due to the tilt of the earth's rotation on its axis and the length of the day.

Activity Preparation

Make copies of the attached document. Students/teachers need computer(s) with Internet access.

Description

Hand out document to students. Introduce concept of looking at pattern of daylight and darkness to predict when the sun will set for the first time after months of constant daylight at Toolik Lake, Alaska. After students predict, visit the website http://www.gaisma.com to find local charts. Teachers can use the website for students to compare the latitude and length of daylight/darkness at various locations.

Resources

www.Gaisma.com

Credits

Submitted by Cathy Campbell, a2sciteach [at] aol.com Permission received from website publisher, in addition fair usage is allowed under disclaimer section of website.

Attachment Size
Download Lesson (PDF - 351 KB)351.4 KB 351.4 KB

This program is supported by the National Science Foundation. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed by this program are those of the PIs and coordinating team, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.