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Water Vapor Protocol DLESE Reviewed Collection
http://www.globe.gov/tctg/atmo_prot_watervapor.pdf?sectionId=283
From GLOBE Program Collection
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The purpose of this activity is to measure the total precipitable water vapor (column water vapor) in the atmosphere above an observer's site. Students point a GLOBE/GIFTS water vapor instrument at the sun and record the voltage readings from a digital voltmeter. They observe sky conditions near the Sun and perform the Cloud Protocols. Intended outcomes are that students understand the concept that the atmosphere prevents some of the sun's light from reaching Earth's surface, how water vapor measurements relate to the hydrologic cycle, and how greenhouse gases, such as water vapor, play an important role in weather and climate. Supporting background materials for both student and teacher are included.
Intended for grade levels:
  • Middle (6-8)
  • High (9-12)
Type of resource:
  • For the classroom:
    • 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-283
Educational standards:
  • National Science Education Standards (NSES):
    • 5-8:
      • Unifying concepts and processes:
        • Change, constancy, and measurement
        • Evidence, models, and explanation
        • Form and function
      • A - Science as inquiry:
        • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
        • Understanding about scientific inquiry
      • B - Physical science:
        • Properties and changes of properties in matter
        • Transfer of energy
    • 9-12:
      • Unifying concepts and processes:
        • Change, constancy, and measurement
        • Evidence, models, and explanation
        • Form and function
      • A - Science as inquiry:
        • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
        • Understandings about 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
Resource contact / Creator / Publisher:
Author: UCAR (University Corporation for Atmospheric Research)
The GLOBE Program
http://www.globe.gov/