Cloudy vs. Clear Graphs
Lesson Plans
Grades3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8Earth and Space Sciences, Mathematics
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Provided by My NASA Data
What it is
- In this lesson, students will analyze and interpret individual graphs and a double-line graph with thermal energy data.
- Students will learn how clouds impact the amount of energy we can get from the sun.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The data literacy cube is an excellent tool that students can use in other data analysis lessons and activities.
- The resource includes many options for extension and links to related lessons and activities.
Prerequisites
- Students should know how to read line graphs and compare data sets.
- Students should know that the sun provides energy in the form of heat.
Differentiation & Implementation
- After this lesson, students can discuss the implications of this data for using solar energy and then discuss alternative clean energy solutions.
- There is an extensions section that includes adaptations for those with learning differences.
- Students can run an experiment to measure thermal energy in their local area on cloudy and clear days.
- Students can use this lesson and the analysis questions to practice academic writing.
From the scientist review
This lesson uses real data on net energy from the sun to instruct students on examining and interpreting data from graphs. Instructions are clear, and examples are plentiful. Background information is included that explains key terms. Figures are clear, with labels free of jargon. The ‘data literacy cube’ printouts are clear and detail sensible graph analysis. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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