Introduction

Studying the correlation between altitude and temperature is a fascinating topic in meteorology that reveals how atmospheric conditions change as one ascends into the atmosphere. This relationship is crucial for understanding weather patterns, climate change, and ecological systems. Below are three practical examples that illustrate how to investigate this correlation, suitable for science fair projects.

Example 1: Temperature Measurements on a Hiking Trail

In this project, students can gather temperature data at different altitudes along a hiking trail. The idea is to measure how temperature changes as elevation increases.

Students can select a local hiking trail with varied altitudes. They should prepare a list of specific altitudes (e.g., 0m, 500m, 1000m, 1500m) and plan to measure the temperature at each point using a digital thermometer.

For instance, if the trail starts at sea level (0m) and ascends to 1500m, students can record the temperature at each altitude during a single day at the same time to ensure consistency.

After collecting the data, students can create a graph plotting altitude on the x-axis and temperature on the y-axis. This visual representation will help them analyze the trend and draw conclusions about the correlation between altitude and temperature.

Notes/Variations:

• To enhance the study, students can repeat the measurements on different days to account for weather variations.
• They can also record other variables, such as humidity and wind speed, to see how these factors interact with altitude and temperature.

Example 2: Balloon Experiments to Measure Temperature Changes

This project involves using weather balloons to collect temperature data at varying altitudes. It simulates real-world meteorological data collection and allows students to observe temperature changes as they ascend into the atmosphere.

Students can obtain weather balloons and attach a digital thermometer or temperature sensor. They should ensure the sensor is lightweight and capable of relaying data back to a receiver on the ground. As the balloon ascends, it will capture the temperature at various altitudes.

For example, if the balloon rises to 3000m, students can program the sensor to record temperature readings at specific intervals (e.g., every 500m). After retrieving the data, students can analyze the temperature changes as the balloon rises, producing a detailed report on how altitude affects temperature.

Notes/Variations:

• This project may require permissions and guidance from adults due to the use of balloons and electronic equipment.
• Students can compare their findings with published atmospheric data to validate their results.

Example 3: Classroom Experiment with Temperature and Pressure Sensors

In this classroom-based experiment, students can create a controlled environment to study the relationship between altitude (simulated by using a model) and temperature using pressure sensors and temperature probes.

Students can build a simple model using a clear plastic container to represent different altitudes. By adjusting the height of the container (e.g., adding layers of clear plastic), students can simulate varying altitudes. They can place temperature probes at each level to measure the temperature and pressure at those altitudes.

For instance, they might find that at a lower simulated altitude (like 10 cm), the temperature is higher than at a higher altitude (like 30 cm). By recording these measurements, students can create a table and graph to visualize the temperature changes in relation to the simulated altitude.

Notes/Variations:

• Students can experiment with different conditions, such as adding heat sources or using insulation materials to see how they affect temperature at various altitudes.
• This project can also incorporate lessons on the principles of thermodynamics and how pressure impacts temperature.

By engaging with these examples of studying the correlation between altitude and temperature, students can develop a deeper understanding of meteorological concepts while honing their scientific skills.