Step #1: Calculate the maximum solar insolation received at your school. (Show you work below & Box answers)

• Zenith Angle for _____ ^oN, 6/21, 12:00 noon
  

• Solar Insolation for _____^oN, 6/21, 12:00 noon
  

I = S cos Z








Step #2: On a sheet of notebook paper calculate insolation values for the table below. (Show your work & box your answers) Add your insolation values to the table below.

Step #3: Plot your insolation values on the graph below. Use a different color for each latitude. (You will need to plot some of your values twice in order to extend the graph so that the insolation cycle is more apparent.)

	KEY:ColorLatitude 90oN 60oN 30oN 0oN oN (Your Latitude)

Graph Interpretation Questions
1. Label each season along the top of your graph. (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)


2. Describe the relationship between latitude and solar insolation.


3. Compare the insolation values of your latitude to the values at other latitudes. Describe how solar insolation creates climate zones.



4. Describe the relationship between solar insolation and seasons.



5. Describe the difference between seasonal insolation changes at the equator and poles.


Step #4: Get the sunrise and sunset times for your location on the solstice and equinox dates and add them to the table below. GET YOUR SUNRISE / SUNSET TIMES

Step #5: Use your sunrise and sunset times to calculate duration of sunlight for each of the dates at your location. (Add your location name to the table & graph titles.)

	Sunrise Time	Sunset Time	Duration of Insolation (hrs.,min.)
Vernal Equinox Mar. 21/22
Summer Solstice Jun. 21/22
Autumnal Equinox Sept. 21/22
Winter Solstice Dec. 21/22

Step #6: Graph the duration of sunlight for the equinox and solstice dates at your location.

	KEY: Color_________Date Vernal Equinox Mar. 21/22 Summer Solstice Jun. 21/22 Autumnal Equinox Sept. 21/22 Winter Solstice Dec. 21/22

Graph Interpretation Questions


1. Label each season along the top of your graph. (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)

2. Compare your duration of solar insolation graph to your seasonal insolation graph.
Describe the relationship between the rate of insolation and the duration of insolation.



Step #7: On a sheet of notebook paper calculate insolation values for the table below. (Show your work & box your answers) Add your insolation values to the table below. In the sunrise
and sunset columns, add the correct times from your table (Duration of Solar Insolation on Equinox & Solstice Dates in __________________). Fill in your location in the title.

Step #8: Plot your insolation values on the graph below. Use a different color for each latitude.
Fill in your location in the title. Your line for each date will begin a the sunrise time (insolation = 0) and end at the sunset time (insolation = 0).

Vernal Equinox Mar. 21/22
Summer Solstice Jun. 21/22
Autumnal Equinox Sept. 21/22
Winter Solstice Dec. 21/22



Calculation & Graph Interpretation Questions

1. Describe the relationship between zenith angle and time of day.


2. Describe the relationship between zenith angle and solar insolation.


3. Write a one paragraph description of why noon is near the warmest time of day.
Include the following terms: solar radiation, zenith angle, solar insolation, earths’ rotation.


Step #9:CONCLUSION
Now that you have completed this investigation, explain what you have learned by writing an essay. The essay should be a minimum of 200 words and should include the following:

• A description of surface insolation and how it is calculated
  
• An explanation of how and why changes in the angle of incoming radiation effects insolation.
  
• An explanation of how and why insolation contributes to climate zones at different latitudes.
  
• An explanation of how and why insolation intensity and duration changes during a one year period of time at your latitude.
  
• An explanation of how and why changes in insolation contribute to seasonal weather changes.
  
  

***Your essay should be in paragraph form using complete sentences. Use and underline the
following terms:

	Solar Constant InsolationZenith Angle Hour AngleLatitude Solar Declination Angle Vernal EquinoxSummer Solstice Autumnal Equinox Winter Solstice