Coriolis Effect (70 minutes) Learning Goals: Students will understand that: The rotation of the Earth changes

s the direction of air flow Winds deflect to the right in the Northern hemisphere and to the left in the Southern hemisphere Hurricanes spin counterclockwise because they are a low pressure system Materials: Edcanvas presentation Lava lamp (for starter question only) Record player with pre-cut sheets of paper to draw on Markers Paper Chart paper Preparation: 1) Record player and lava lamp should be plugged in and ready to go. 2) Cut round pieces of paper with a hole in the center to fit on turntable. Have at least 5 ready to go. 3) Write definition of Coriolis Effect on the board and hide with projector screen. 4) All videos should be preloaded. Cue BBC video to 8 seconds to avoid strange lady in the beginning. Sequence: 1) Starter question (10) Prep: Have lava lamp set up in front of room. Explain movement of wax. How could you use the lave lamp example to explain to a friend why warm air rises and cold air sinks? 2) Convection review: Bill Nye video (5) http://youtu.be/uBqohRu2RRk Primer: Pay close attention to his last point Earth is spinning 3) Record player test (10) Flatten the northern hemisphere onto the record player. Let students attempt to draw a straight line while its turning. 4) Draw it (10) Have 3 students model on the board while the rest of students work in pairs.

Together, groups should attempt to draw a straight line while turning paper clockwise and then, on the backside, attempt to draw a straight line with the paper turning counterclockwise. 5) Diagram of Earth on the board (10) a. Describe labeled diagram on Edcanvas b. Draw together on whiteboard. Students should take notes in their science notebooks. Include definition of Coriolis Effect. And which way winds are directed. 6) What is the Coriolis Effect? BBC video (5) cued to 8 seconds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wda7azMvabE Primer: This stuff is even hard for scientists to keep straight! Let students know that roundabout is another word for merrygo-round 7) How hurricanes spin (15) a. Watch Hurricane Sandy video twice and make observations i. Which way the winds appear to be moving? ii. Which way is the hurricane spinning? b. Review low pressure center of hurricane and draw diagram on board comparing the mountain of high pressure and the funnel or sink of low pressure c. Watch video a third time and point out clockwise and counterclockwise movement 8) TTL: Quick review of deflection Show Merry-go-round video (5) Circle which way the air is deflected in the Northern Hemisphere

TTL : If these areas of low and high pressure are in the Northern Hemisphere, circle which direction you expect air will flow.