Part 2: Equator Equals Hot 10.24.11
Independent Variable- angle of the cardstock
Dependent Variable- brightness
1. Compare the brightness of the light shining on the vertical cardstock versus on the angled card stock.
The 45° angle was more like an oval on the cardstock, while the straight cardstock was more like a circle. It was brighter on the vetical cardstock than on the angled cardstock.
2. If the verticle cardstock represents how the Sun shines on the equator, and the angled cardstock represents how the Sun shines on the rest of the Earth, what does this model demonstrate about distribution of thermal energy from the Sun on Earth?
The light going to the Equator is more direct and brighter there. The Earth is unequally heated by the sun.
3. What part of the Earth recieves the greatest thermal energy? Which part recives the least thermal energy?
The Equator recieves the most energy, and the poles the least.