Water temperature changes lag behind the changing seasons. For example, during warm spring days, the water temperature is much cooler than the air temperature. During cool, early fall days the water temperature is much warmer than the air temperature. The night air also cools much more quickly than the surface temperature of a lake. Experimental Design Directed Study Review how to calculate water volumes for each one meter layer of a lake.
Energy is required to raise the temperature of water.
Ask students to hypothesize about the source of energy for lakes. Energy from the sun is the primary source of increasing temperatures in a lake. When a cubic centimeter of water drops one degree, energy is released. Each member of the group should have a responsibility. When students are half done with the worksheet they should switch responsibilities.