Scientist
What is the purpose of making “Notice & Wonder” tables?
To record observations and questions about the experiences we have.
Why is energy transfer important in the development of different precipitation events?
It affects how particles in the air move and change state.
In a hailstorm, what happens to the water particles before they fall as hail?
They freeze and grow in size.
How does the sunlight data relate to temperature data?
Surfaces absorbing more light tend to be warmer.
Why don’t we see clouds everywhere in the air all the time?
Because clouds form only when water vapor condenses in specific conditions.
Why would a Ping-Pong ball remain suspended in a stream of air from a hair dryer?
The force of the air blowing upward balances the force of gravity.
How could we find out if the air up high is colder than the air near the ground?
By using a weather balloon to measure temperatures at different altitudes.
What conditions outside are necessary for hail to form?
Cold upper atmosphere with warm surface temperatures.
What happened to the balloon when it was held against the heating pad?
It expanded because the gas molecules moved faster and needed more space.
What are clouds made of?
Water droplets or ice crystals and gas.
What did we learn about what air is made of?
Air is made of gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, and small amounts of other gases
What is the relationship between air temperature and altitude from the weather balloon data?
As altitude increases, the air temperature generally decreases.
What is one important factor that contributes to the formation of hail during a storm?
Strong upward air currents.
How do our investigations of evaporation and density changes help us explain what is happening in the clouds?
It helps us understand that water vapor from the ground rises and forms clouds through condensation.
How does the relationship between air temperatures and humidity levels influence storm formation?
The greater the differences in air temperatures and higher humidity levels, the more likely and stronger the storms will be.
How could we trap some air in contact with a warm surface to study what happens to air after it is warmed up?
By using a bottle sealed with soap bubble solution.
What happens when sunlight reaches the ground?
The ground absorbs heat and warms up.
How can hail to form and fall from the sky when the temp near the surface is not cold enough for water to freeze?
The air high up in the atmosphere is cold enough to freeze water.
What is happening at the particle level when water evaporates from an environment?
Water particles spread out and move faster.
Why don’t water droplets or ice crystals fall from the clouds immediately after forming?
Updrafts in the atmosphere keep them suspended.
Why do scientists use liquids to understand and visualize currents in gases?
Liquids and gases exhibit similar convection patterns.
What do lower reflected light readings indicate about a surface’s properties?
The surface absorbs more light.
In the formation of hailstones, what might help explain their layers?
Hailstones form by collecting layers of ice as updrafts carry them through the clouds repeatedly.
What happens to water vapor in the air if we cool the air down?
It condenses into liquid water.
After dye is warmed in the tub of water, what does its movement mostly resemble in the atmosphere?
Air rising over warm ground.