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Education: Student Outcomes

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Investigating the Earth's Climate System - Energy

Grade level: 5-8
Theme: water cycle
Activity: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/62319main_ICS_Energy.pdf

Water is a key element of the Earth's energy balance. The Sun's energy drives the water cycle, and in turn, water is a major factor in governing the surface temperature of the Earth.

Read the section on Prerequisite Knowledge (p. 2-4).
 
Student Outcomes 
After completing this activity, students should be able to:
Explain the energy conversions found in the water cycle (e.g., evaporation requires heat energy, condensation releases heat energy). (W: 5-8)
Explain how the processes of the water cycle (e.g., evaporation, precipitation) relate to the oceans. (W: 5-8)

Key:  C = climate / O = ocean circulation / T = 21st century technology / W = water cycle