FERN FOREST MODULE 2: COLLECTING TEMPERATURE DATA

Objectives

• Collect temperature data for each type of cover board .
  

• Follow a protocol to collect data to assure that the results are accurate and reliable.
  

• Prepare an EXCEL spreadsheet.
  

Logistics

• Students record time and initial weather conditions, including air temperature and cloud cover.
  

• Working in pairs, students are assigned certain sampling points.
  

• One student places a thermometer under a plywood cover board at a given sampling point; the other student places a thermometer under the corresponding felt cover board.
  

• Once temperature readings are stable for at least 2 minutes, temperature data are recorded on handout (photocopy of the grid).
  

• Students swap thermometers and proceed to next sampling point.
  

• After sampling the final point, students record time and final weather conditions, including air temperature and cloud cover.
  

• Data are typed into an EXCEL spread sheet and passed along to students in Mathematics for Liberal Arts II (MGF1107).
  

Tools

• Digital Thermometers
  

Main Contact:
Dr. Barbara Bruno, 954-475-6870

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 9653672. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.