In Measuring Microclimates, students will explore how different areas of the school grounds are affected by weather and climate. To prepare students, discuss which areas of the school grounds might be prone to the influence of temperature and wind. Choose several locations that are likely to provide the best contrast and assign a group to each location. Each group will create a measuring device as per the designs or research and make alternatives. Throughout the day, students will go out to measure and record temperature and wind in each location, recording the data in a table. Students will then need to analyze the results and answer some reflection questions.
The results can be a great way of promoting discussion around the design and layout of the grounds, from selecting gathering spaces to growing areas. It can also spark discussions about harnessing renewable energy sources around the grounds.
An extension activity, where students ask themselves if the surface material has an impact, is also provided in this lesson.
This outdoor activity uses fieldwork to observe, measure, record and present the physical features in the local area using a range of methods. This activity would be great to support geography and science classes.
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