Lesson 8 - Understanding Atmospheric Pressure - Teacher's Guide

Targeted Instruction Objective: Evaluating the relationship between geography and climate, and connecting the collection of data to a processed end product

Content Focus: Identifying effects of atmospheric pressure

As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases. These changes in elevation affect the weather in a variety of ways, as well as impacting the boiling point of water. The barometric measurements used to register atmospheric pressure are instrumental in forecasting climate conditions.

General Instructional Goal: Identify the elements of atmospheric pressure measurements and define the weather changes indicated by low or high pressure

Students recognize that the measurements of barometric pressure are an important element to accurate forecasts of climate changes.

Specific Outcomes: Upon completion of the lesson, students will be able to:

1)Explain the basic operation of a barometer

2) Identify how altitude influences barometric pressure

3) Describe the differences between boiling points at different altitudes, (as an introduction to understanding atmospheric moisture.)

 
Lesson Content Instructional Processes
  • Set
 Topic Introduction: (Teacher defined)

Suggested preview approaches:

1) The teacher may ask students if a football thrown at the same force will travel further in Denver (the mile-high city) or San Francisco (at sea level).
  • Purpose
 Identifying the effects of barometric pressure on weather and boiling points

Suggested Strategies:

1) The optional experiment included at the end of this lesson will require students to make their own barometers and record data for comparison to professionally collected data on air pressure.

  • Guided Practice
 The teacher may wish to read the lesson material along with the students, pausing for questions.

1) As a short demonstration, water can be boiled and students can be asked what they "predict" might happen to water vapor produced at high altitudes (with cold temperatures and thinner atmosphere) compared to what might happen at low altitudes.
  • Practice/Application
 Individual or small groups answer the worksheet questions using the charts in the reading material and information gained by logging onto the IEMP software.
  • Summary
 Synopsis of material covered

Optional Strategies:

1) Whole group spot check of data answers

2) Identification and comparison of temperatures in the classroom: Why would they be different? How could the "real" overall temperature of the room be determined?

  • Evaluation
 Recommended score of 70 to 80% on worksheet to ensure student readiness for subsequent lessons.

 

Necessary Materials:

Experimental equipment, if selected for use

Student worksheet

Internet Access

Supplemental Activities and Ideas

And Now, a Look at Our Local Weather: Applying data collection to an end product

Small or Whole Group Activity allows students to build barometers and use the instruments to collect data on atmospheric pressure. The teacher can expect to allow at least a week for the data collection. Different groups can compare their results to other student groups, or gather professional media reports for comparisons, and eventually attempt to predict what kind of weather will be occurring in their hometown in the next couple of days. (Directions for the experiment follow.)

Geography Pin Map: Identifying geographical influences on climate

Small group activity contributes to a whole class understanding geographical impacts on weather conditions. Each small group can be assigned a particular range of altitudes (high, medium, or low as basics, or more specific at the teacher's discretion) to first identify on a map or globe with colored pins and then research to determine the possible types of climates present in different or comparable regions. Similar altitudes from varying areas all over the world can be compared to see if their weather is the same.

Next Page                     IEMP Workbook Home                    Chapter 8