Angles make a difference Purpose To test whether the angle of sunlight affects the surface temperature on Earth.

Materials lamp 2 thermometers 2 blocks of wood black plastic tape

Procedure 1. Read the instructions fully and then make the prediction. Only when you have made the prediction should you continue on. 2. Cut out two small identically sized pieces of black tape and attach them onto wooden blocks so that they make pockets. 3. Secure a thermometer in each pocket, ensuring that it is touching the plastic sheet. Tape the thermometer to the board to secure it. 4. Place the two blocks the same distance from the lamp. Figure 9.3.9 shows the set-up. a. Block A: Lay one block flat on the desk so that the light from the lamp falls on it at an angle. b. Block B: Use some books to prop up the other block so that it is at an angle to the desk and the light falls directly on it. 4 Turn on the lamp.

Figure 9.3.9

Predict Do you think the temperature in the 2 pockets will be the same or different?

Results 1 Record the temperature of each thermometer every minute for ten minutes. 2 Place your results in a table like the one shown below. Time (min) 1 2 Use the information to draw a graph that shows how the temperature changes. Discussion 1. Which block (A or B) showed the biggest increase in temperature. 2. Which block (A or B) modelled the surface of the Earth in: a. far north Queensland where the temperature is hotter b. southern Tasmania where the temperature is cooler . 3. Did the results show what you were expecting? Why? Why not? 4. What would you do differently if you had to repeat this test? What changes would you make? Block A Block B

This practical is going to be written up next lesson. For homework you need to make a draft copy.