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Starting Point-Teaching Entry Level Geoscience > Interactive Lectures > Short Activities > ConcepTest: Tropic of Cancer Temperature and Precipitation
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ConcepTest: Tropic of Cancer Temperature and Precipitation

ConcepTest questions by David McConnell, David Steer, Walter Borowski, Jeffrey Dick, Annabelle Foos, Jeffrey Knott, Alvin Konigsberg, Michelle Malone, Heidi McGrew, Kathie Owens, and Stephen Van Horn
Created with funding from NSF CCLI Award #0087894.

Question:

Which of the points on the graph below best represents conditions along the Tropic of Cancer (23 degrees N latitude)?
Graphic for Tropic of Cancer Temperature and Precipitation ConceptTest question.
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
e. E

Student Responses:

The correct response is E.
Percentage of students choosing this answer. (%Before Discussion/%After Discussion)

a. (2%/2%) b. (9%/3%) c. (28%/26%) d. (13%/8%) e. (48%/61%)

in a large (60+ student) Earth Science class.

If you would like to help acquire more Before and After statistics for this example, please contact the authors (see link at top of page).

References and Notes:

The use of ConcepTests and Peer Instruction is discussed in detail on the ConcepTest page.

McConnell, D.A., Steer, D.N. and Owens, K.A., 2003, Assessment and Active Learning Strategies for Introductory Geology Courses, Journal of Geoscience Education, 51(2), 205-216.

McConnell, D.A., Steer et al., 2006, Using Conceptests to Assess and Improve Student Conceptual Understanding in Introductory Courses, Journal of Geoscience Education, (54(1), 61-68.

Subject

Geoscience:Atmospheric Science:Climatology

Resource Type

Activities:Classroom Activity:Short Activity:ConcepTests

Ready for Use

Ready to Use

Grade Level

College Lower (13-14):Introductory Level

Earth System Topics

Atmosphere, Climate, Atmosphere:Weather

Topics

Climate