Comparing Temperatures

A WebQuest

Curriculum: Math

Grade Level(s):6th or 7th grade

Author: Glenn Arnold

Last Updated: 12/11/2006

Introduction

In this Webquest, students will collect data from the internet to create a chart comparing temperatures between two very different parts of the world. I've chosen Sydney, Australia, and my home, Poughkeepsie NY.

Task

In order to compare temperatures between Sydney Australia and Poughkeepsie, NY, we will create a table like the one below to store our data. Then we will collect data from www.weather.com once a week over the course of the semester. This will be given as a "Do Now" assignment at the beginning of class. As the semester progresses, we will fill up the table. Eventually we will use the data to create a line chart that allows us to see how temperatures change over time, in different parts of the world.

Process

Step 1

Using Microsoft Excel, create a spreadsheet with the headings and columns shown above. We will do this in class together to begin the project.

Step 2

About once a week, go to www.weather.com to find the high and low temperature for the day for Poughkeepsie, NY and Sydney Australia. This will be a "Do Now" assignment at the beginning of class.

If you were absent or at lessons and you need to find temperatures for days you missed, you can find them at:

Microsoft Excel calls graphs "charts." Click below to download the instructions to create a chart based on your data.

Once you've created your graph (Chart), use Microsoft Excel to calculate the mean, median and mode for each of the columns of data you have accumulated. Also calculate the rate of change for each temperature, to find out how fast the temperatures warm up or cool off as the seasons change. Note: There's no way that I can describe how to calculate mean median and mode in a written document that 6th graders will read. It works ok as long as all the students do is gather data and create a graph, but not to do the more complicated spreadsheet functions. I can teach it in a lesson though, but this is where the webquest falls apart.

Evaluation

Once you have finished following the instructions to create your graph, you will print it out and have it graded by your teacher. Here is the scoring guide that your teacher will use to grade it. You can use it to check and make sure that you have everything done correctly.