Earth Systems Activities
Investigate Earth's interconnected systems through hands-on modeling and data analysis of atmospheric, hydrospheric, and geospheric processes.
Activity 1: Advanced Water Cycle System Modeling
Create comprehensive models of the water cycle including energy transfers and climate interactions
Learning Objectives
- • Model water movement through Earth's systems
- • Analyze energy transfers in the water cycle
- • Investigate climate factors affecting water distribution
- • Connect local Caribbean water systems to global patterns
- • Evaluate human impacts on water cycle processes
Materials
- • Large clear containers for ecosystem models
- • Heat lamps and thermometers
- • Ice cubes and hot water
- • Plastic wrap and rubber bands
- • Food coloring and pH strips
- • Digital scales for mass measurements
Investigation Process
System Construction (30 minutes)
Build closed-system water cycle models with multiple variables
Data Collection (40 minutes)
Monitor temperature, humidity, and water movement patterns
Climate Analysis (20 minutes)
Connect findings to Caribbean climate patterns and global systems
Energy Variables
- • Solar radiation intensity
- • Surface temperature differences
- • Atmospheric pressure changes
- • Humidity and condensation rates
Caribbean Climate Connections
Hurricane Formation
- • Ocean temperature requirements
- • Atmospheric pressure systems
- • Water vapor and energy transfer
- • Seasonal pattern analysis
Drought and Rainfall Patterns
- • Trade wind effects on precipitation
- • Orographic rainfall in mountainous islands
- • El Niño/La Niña impacts
- • Water resource management strategies
Activity 2: Caribbean Geology and Plate Tectonic Modeling
Investigate volcanic activity and earthquake patterns in the Caribbean through geological modeling
Learning Objectives
- • Model plate tectonic processes affecting the Caribbean
- • Investigate volcanic formation and eruption patterns
- • Analyze earthquake distribution and causes
- • Evaluate geological hazards and risk assessment
- • Connect geological processes to island formation
Geological Modeling Kit
- • Modeling clay (different colors)
- • Foam boards for plate models
- • Baking soda and vinegar for eruptions
- • Sand and gravel for sediment layers
- • Pressure plates and weights
- • Caribbean geological maps
Modeling Sequence
Plate Boundary Construction (25 minutes)
Model Caribbean, North American, and South American plates
Volcanic Activity Simulation (35 minutes)
Create eruption models and analyze lava flow patterns
Hazard Assessment (25 minutes)
Evaluate risks and develop emergency preparedness plans
Caribbean Volcanoes
- • Soufrière Hills (Montserrat)
- • La Soufrière (St. Vincent)
- • Mount Pelée (Martinique)
- • Kick 'em Jenny (Grenada)
Risk Assessment and Preparedness
Volcanic Hazards
- • Pyroclastic flows
- • Ash fall patterns
- • Lahar formation
- • Gas emissions
Earthquake Risks
- • Fault line mapping
- • Tsunami potential
- • Building codes
- • Emergency protocols
Community Preparedness
- • Evacuation routes
- • Emergency supplies
- • Communication systems
- • Recovery planning