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Calculating Relative Air Mass DLESE Reviewed Collection
http://www.globe.gov/tctg/airmass.pdf?sectionId=23
From GLOBE Program Collection
Comment on this resource
The purpose of this activity is to introduce students to the concept of relative air mass and demonstrate how solar elevation angle affects the intensity of sunlight that reaches an observer on the ground. Students work in teams to calculate air mass using simple geometry. Teacher background materials are included.
Intended for grade levels:
  • Middle (6-8)
  • High (9-12)
Type of resource:
  • For the classroom:
    • Classroom activity
    • Field activity
    • Guide for instructor
Subject:
  • Atmospheric science
  • Environmental science
  • Geographical Sciences:
    • Human geography
Technical requirements:
Adobe Acrobat reader
Netscape browser
Cost / Copyright:
No cost
For science/educational use consistent with the methodologies of the GLOBE Program.
DLESE Catalog ID: GLOBE-23
Educational standards:
  • National Science Education Standards (NSES):
    • 5-8:
      • Unifying concepts and processes:
        • Change, constancy, and measurement
        • Evidence, models, and explanation
      • A - Science as inquiry:
        • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
      • B - Physical science:
        • Properties and changes of properties in matter
    • 9-12:
      • Unifying concepts and processes:
        • Change, constancy, and measurement
        • Evidence, models, and explanation
      • A - Science as inquiry:
        • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
      • B - Physical science:
        • Interactions of energy and matter
        • Structure and properties of matter
      • D - Earth and space science:
        • Energy in the earth system
  • National Geography Standards:
    • The uses of geography:
      • How to apply geography to interpret the present and plan for the future
Resource contact / Creator / Publisher:
Author: UCAR (University Corporation for Atmospheric Research)
The GLOBE Program
http://www.globe.gov/