Conceptest: Equator tilt change

David McConnell, Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University
Author Profile
This material is replicated on a number of sites as part of the SERC Pedagogic Service Project
Initial Publication Date: November 30, 2008

Question:

What would happen to the average temperature at the equator during our summer if the tilt angle of Earth's axis increased to 27 degrees?
A. Temperatures would increase
B. Temperatures would decrease
C. Temperatures would stay the same

Student Responses:

These responses were collected from 384 students (mostly freshmen, non-majors) in multiple large Earth Science classes (60+ students).

A. 36% of students chose this answer
B. 52% of students chose this answer (correct)
C. 12% of students chose this answer

References and Notes:

Close
NAGT Join small

As a frequent visitor please consider joining the National Association of Geoscience Teachers or making a donation to help ensure this site can continue to offer access to high-quality geoscience education materials.

  Join NAGT Today »

  Make a donation »

Already an NAGT member? Login now to avoid these messages in the future.