Mathematics

Activity 1: Creating climate graphs

In this activity, you will create a climate graph for Tokyo using a spreadsheet software programme. The illustrative diagrams used in this activity are from Microsoft Excel 2010.

Creating a climate graph for Tokyo

1. Look at the climate information for Tokyo below.

Tokyo, Japan					35 41N/139 46E				5m
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Av Max Temp (C)	9.5	9.7	12.7	18.3	22.8	25.2	28.8	30.9	26.7	21.2	16.6	12.1
Av Min Temp (C)	1.2	1.7	4.4	10.0	14.8	18.6	22.3	24.0	20.2	14.2	8.9	3.9
Av Rainfall (mm)	45.1	60.4	99.5	125.0	138.0	185.2	126.1	147.5	179.8	164.1	89.1	45.7



2. Enter the data into a new spreadsheet. Before creating your graph, make sure that the data you have entered is correct.
3. Look at the menu bar of your spreadsheet software and write instructions explaining how you insert a chart. At this point you might like to experiment with different forms of charts.
4. Experiment with your software and create a two-axis line chart using the selected data. Record the process you used to do this.
5. You will now need to convert the line chart representing the rainfall data into a column chart, label each of the axes and create a title for your chart. Record how you completed each of these steps.
6. Your chart may currently appear on the spreadsheet page and can be repositioned and enlarged or reduced by selecting it and 'dragging' on the tags on the corners and sides of the chart border. The chart can be copied and pasted to a Microsoft Word document using the normal Microsoft Word Copy and Paste commands.

Your chart should now look like the example on the right. The completed charts are also called climate graphs. This is the term that will be used in the following activities.

Activity 2: Graphing climate

In this activity, you will use spreadsheet software packages to develop climate graphs.

Graphing climate

1. You will choose or be allocated a city in Asia to investigate.
2. Look at the World Climate Index to collect data on the average maximum temperature, minimum temperature and rainfall of your city.
3. Create a climate chart for your allocated city using a different spreadsheet software package, if possible.

Some factors affecting climate

1. Use an internet search engine to investigate and record the altitude, latitude and longitude, and distance from the sea (to the nearest 100 km) for your city. This information will be used in Activity 4.
2. Add this information to your graph.
3. Print and display a copy of your climate graph in the classroom so that comparisons can be made easily.

Activity 3: Interpreting graphs

In this activity, you will compare the graphs created in Activity 2: Graphing climate, to develop a sense of pattern. Keep a record of your observations for whole-class discussion.

Task 1: Compare and contrast

1. In groups of four, compare and contrast the graphs of each of the cities from the Asian region.
2. Discuss the following questions:
   • Which cities have an even distribution of rainfall throughout the year?
   • Which cities have pronounced wet and dry seasons?
   • Which cities have very little temperature variation?
   • Which cities have a large temperature variation?

Task 2: Identifying patterns in the graph

Refer to the graphs displayed in the classroom to complete the following tasks.

1. Some cities have four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Identify these cities and answer the following questions for each one:

   • Which are the hot months?
   • Which are the wet months?
   • Which are the dry months?
   • Which are the cool months?
2. Some cities have just two distinct seasons: wet and dry. Identify these cities and answer the following questions for each one:
   • Which are the hot months?
   • Which are the wet months?
   • Which are the dry months?
   • Which are the cool months?

Activity 4: Making groups

In this activity, you will use your prior learning about climate graphs to create a series of graphs of cities showing similar climatic characteristics and analyse the impact of geographical location and features on climate.

Task 1: Making groups

Referring to the class climate graphs of cities in Asia, complete the following activities.

1. Create between 6–8 groups of cities showing similar climatic characteristics. For example your grouping may be based on temperature, rainfall, seasons, altitude or distance from the sea.
2. You may place a particular city in more than one group.
3. Give a summary statement explaining the factors or elements of the graphs that are the basis of your grouping.

Task 2: Factors affecting climate

1. Compare the climate graph of your city in Asia with the information supplied about Tokyo in Activity 1.
2. Identify any similarities and/or differences between the two cities. Write one or two paragraphs to explain how factors such as altitude, latitude and longitude, and distance from the sea affect climate.