The purpose of this lesson is to use NASA CERES instrument cloud data and a weather map to explore cloud coverage during a winter storm. Students will map locations using latitude and longitude coordinates as well as use a microset of satellite data to investigate cloud characteristics by applying percentage to determine cloud cover. When atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, study weather ... Full description.

Line plots are a useful way to display data especially change over time. In this lesson, students learn basic line plot analysis using authentic NASA wind speed data from two locations. In the extensions sections, there is an opportunity to build upon basic line plot analysis skills and opportunities for further assessment. Full description.

Line plots are a useful way to display data especially change over time. During this lesson, students will view NASA data displaying the amount of the Sun's energy absorbed throughout one calendar year during clear and cloudy sky conditions. Full description.

Bar graphs are simple ways to display data. Taking numbers and creating a bar graph makes it easier to read and draw conclusions. In this lesson, students will construct basic bar graphs using authentic NASA surface temperature data from a one year period of record. Full description.

Bar graphs are simple ways to display data. Taking numbers and creating a bar graph makes it easier to read and draw conclusions. From bar graphs, you can easily compare data from more than one source. In this lesson, students will read two temperature bar graphs of data from Africa using authentic NASA data. They will identify major parts of bar graphs and make a generalization statement based on ... Full description.

Line plots are a useful way to display data especially change over time. During this lesson, students will view NASA data displaying the amount of the Sun's energy absorbed in Australia throughout one calendar year. This lesson also allows students to connect the idea that the sun heats up land, air, and water. Students will practice drawing conclusions based on graphed data. Full description.

Energy from the sun reaches the Earth and some is absorbed by the air, land, and water. Some of the energy is reflected back into space, meaning it does not heat the land, air, or water. In this lesson students will read a color plot of Earth's absorption of the sun's radiation. They will evaluate causes for difference in absorption rates at different points around the world and draw conclusions about ... Full description.

For this lesson, students will assume the role of an outdoor sports event planner. They will evaluate changes in air quality over a one year time frame based on a review of Air Quality-Carbon Monoxide Data and quantitative line graphs. The data will be used to make an informed decision about the best times of the year to plan for outdoor and indoor sports activities. Full description.

Our atmosphere is warmed by shortwave radiation received from the Sun. Some of the energy is reflected back to space depending on cloud cover and the surface characteristics of Earth. Some of the energy is absorbed by the surface, then re-emitted back to space as longwave radiation. As this occurs, clouds and atmospheric gases can reflect, absorb and re-emit this energy -- the so-called greenhouse ... Full description.

Water is one of Earth's most unique and valuable resources. Thus, the distribution of water on Earth is a very important factor in the evaluation of global climate and its impact on life. In this lesson, students will use historical satellite data to examine precipitable water -- a measure of the water available in the atmosphere from evaporation (in the form of water vapor). They will then compare ... Full description.