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Why Is Alaska So Cool? (. . . with all that daylight?) A Series of Math and Science Investigations in Sunlight Intensity using Excel, Graphing Calculators and CBLs The module, "Why Is Alaska So Cool? (. . .with all that daylight?)", serves as an introduction to computational science, math and meteorology being the primary content areas for the investigation. The study concerns reasons for cooler summertime temperatures at latitudes toward the pole than toward equatorial latitudes, hence the module title's guiding question. Students gather sunlight intensity data at differing latitudes on the equinox. They develop appropriate computational science models. Through a series of guided, preliminary investigations that concern (1) the diameter and area of circles of light incident on a surface and (2) light intensity decay over distance and through angular displacement, students analyze data that lead them progressively through linear, quadratic, inverse square, and sinusoidal mathematical models. As they learn the use of the tools, students use TI-83 Plus graphing calculators and Excel spreadsheets to model data. The final report will demonstrate student grasp of computational science methods, math and science concepts, including an inferred answer to the guiding question.

Last Updated 7/20/2001 Developed by Alaska Team Copyright © 2001		This project is supported, in part, by the National Science Foundation Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National Science Foundation.