The Copper Basin Problem: Teacher Guide Lesson 4

Relationship Between Vegetation, Temperature, & Humidity

Objectives:

• To examine the effect of the amount of vegetation on temperature and humidity.
• To relate the experimental evidence to the Copper Basin problem.

Materials:

• Watches/clock/timer
• Screw top jars with distilled water
• Meter sticks
• Stiff cardboard
• Thermometers
• Shade devices
• Cotton sleeves for thermometers
• Table of Relative Humidity

Procedure:

1. Through research, students discovered a method to measure relative humidity. A sample experiment can be found in the student section. Students worked in teams to measure the temperature and relative humidity in three different micro-environments around the school:
   • Open unshaded area
   • Shrub-covered area
   • Tree-covered shaded area
   Students took measurements at different heights at each of these locations.
2. Roles were divided among team members so that the experiment could be completed within a class period. Remember to establish ground rules for conducting investigations outside.
3. Through discussion and analysis, students related their data to the Copper Basin issue.
4. Electronic links with students in Western Pennsylvania allowed us to share significant data related to other types of mining.