How are Average Temperatures Different?

NGSS Phenomena:
Use the map of North America’s average temperatures below to answer the questions that follow.
NGSS Phenomena: A map of North America, the lowest mean temperatures are found in the northern part of Canada, while mean temperature progressively increase into Mexico.
Annual average temperatures of Canada, U.S, and Mexico in Celsius.
Commission for Environmental Cooperation

1. What is the connection between latitude, the amount of solar energy that different parts of this map receive, and average temperature?

2. In the image below, write “LESS” where the land receives less solar energy and write “MORE” where land is receiving more solar energy.

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Width

3. Draw a model in the space below to show how the Sun and the Earth interact to create the temperature differences we see in this map.

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Width

4. Explain how your model shows how the Sun and the Earth interact to create the temperature differences we see in this map.

Your answer should focus on the relationship between solar energy and latitude. (hide hints)

5. On the map below, draw an arrow to show the direction that you expect thermal energy to be transferred.

Color

Width

6. Explain why you drew the arrow in the direction you did and how this impacts the temperatures we observe in this image.

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This free response question aligns to the following standards

  • MS-ESS2-6

  • ESS2.D: Weather and Climate

  • ESS2.C: The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes

  • Systems and System Models

This drawing question aligns to the following standards

  • MS-ESS2-6

  • Systems and System Models

  • Developing and Using Models

  • ESS2.D: Weather and Climate

This drawing question aligns to the following standards

  • MS-ESS2-6

  • Systems and System Models

  • Developing and Using Models

  • ESS2.D: Weather and Climate

This free response question aligns to the following standards

  • MS-ESS2-6

  • Systems and System Models

  • Developing and Using Models

  • ESS2.D: Weather and Climate

This drawing question aligns to the following standards

  • ESS2.D: Weather and Climate

  • Developing and Using Models

  • Systems and System Models

  • MS-ESS2-6

This free response question aligns to the following standards

  • ESS2.D: Weather and Climate

  • Systems and System Models

  • MS-ESS2-6

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