1. The angle at which solar radiation strikes a surface dramatically effects the amount of energy received by the surface.
2. Climate zones, seasonal temperature changes & daily temperature changes are largely controlled by changes in the amount of energy received by the sun due to changes in the angle at which solar radiation strikes the surface.
|Dec. 21/22||Jun. 21/22|
For additional background information see Solar Irradiance Brief
In this investigation students will calculate, graph & compare the solar insolation at different latitudes, dates and times of day. While comparing the calculated insolation values, the student will identify cyclic patterns in seasonal and daily insolation at different latitudes. Show all work on your worksheet
Step 1: Calculate the maximum solar insolation received at your school, that is the insolation at noon on the summer solstice on a clear day.
I = S cos Z
Step 2: Use the procedure in step 1 to calculate the insolation values for the table on your worksheet. On a sheet of notebook paper show each calculation and box your answer.
Add the values to your table.
Step 3: Use a different color to graph the insolation values for each of the different latitudes.
(Label each line) Answer the graph interpretation questions on your worksheet.
Step 4: You have now calculated solar insolation changes due to changes in zenith angle. You can also examine changes in total daily insolation at equinox & solstice dates by examining seasonal changes in the duration of solar insolation (length of day). This will allow students to examine not only the rate of insolation (due to angle) but also the duration of daily solar insolation. Get the sunrise and sunset times for your location on the solstice and equinox dates from the internet linked site below. Times at this site are listed as hours and minutes following midnight. Add the values to the table on your worksheet.
GET YOUR SUNRISE / SUNSET TIMES
Step 5: Use your sunrise and sunset times to calculate duration of sunlight for each of the dates. Add your values to the table.
Step 6: Graph the duration of sunlight for the equinox and solstice dates.
Compare your duration of sunlight graph to your seasonal insolation graph. Describe the relationship between seasonal insolation rate with seasonal insolation duration.
Step 7: Use the procedure in step 1 to calculate the insolation values for your location at the dates and times listed. On a sheet of notebook paper show each calculation and box your answer. In the sunrise and sunset columns fill in the times from your table. Assume that
the insolation value at sunrise and sunset are 0 W / m2.
Step 8: Use a different color to graph the changes in insolation values for each of the different dates. Answer the graph interpretation questions on your worksheet.
Step 9: Now that you have examined solar insolation variations, explain what you have learned by writing your conclusion.
Maryland Core Learning Goals (Science): ES:2:3:1 ES:2:5:1
National Standards (Science): A:3 B:6 D:1
National Standards (Geography): 7:2
National Standards (Mathematics): 9-12 1,1,2,3,4 4:4 9:1
Investigation Discussion and Questions
All investigation calculations and questions appear on the student worksheet. It is suggested that the investigator print a copy of the worksheet and complete it as they go through the activity.
Gregg A. Stickler Lee Kyle
NASA Teacher Ambassador NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
GESSEP Program Distributive Active Archive Center