Convection Currents Teaching Lesson 2025-2026

Do Now Wednesday/Thursday

Multiple Choice

How are the molecules of cold air different than those of warm air?

• Cold air molecules are more dense and hold less water than warm air.

• Cold air molecules are less dense and hold more water than warm air.

HAPPY WEATHER

LOUSY WEATHER

Multiple Choice

What weather would the people in Dallas be experiencing if there is a high pressure system?

• Sunny and clear weather with low humidity.
• Cold and snowy weather with strong winds.
• Hot and humid weather with frequent thunderstorms.
• Overcast and rainy conditions with high humidity.

Multiple Choice

What weather would the people in Houston be experiencing if there is a low pressure system?

• Cloudy with a chance of rain or thunderstorms.

• Sunny and clear skies all day.
• Cold and dry with no precipitation.
• Warm and breezy with low humidity.

Multiple Choice

What weather would the people in San Antonio be experiencing if there is a warm front?

• Hot and dry weather with sunny skies.
• Cool and breezy conditions with no precipitation.
• Cold and dry weather with clear skies.
• Warm and humid weather with possible light rain and overcast skies.

Multiple Choice

What weather would the people in Houston be experiencing if there is a low pressure system?

• Cloudy with a chance of rain or thunderstorms.

• Sunny and clear skies all day.
• Cold and dry with no precipitation.
• Warm and breezy with low humidity.

Fill in the Blanks

A hot air balloon rises because the air inside the balloon is

than the air outside.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following materials would be most suitable for making the main body of a lightweight hot air balloon?

• Tissue paper

• Pipe cleaners

• Hot glue

• Aluminum foil

Open Ended

How does the shape and size of a hot air balloon affect its ability to capture hot air and float?

Open Ended

Reflecting on what you learned about high and low pressure systems, how do these systems influence weather patterns such as sunny or cloudy conditions?

Multiple Choice

Why is it important for your balloon design to be lightweight and able to stay intact under the flow of air from the hairdryer?

• To ensure it lifts off and floats effectively

• To make it look more attractive

• To use less material

• To make it easier to assemble

Multiple Choice

How does the arrangement of air molecules differ between cold air and warm air?

• Cold air molecules are closer together, while warm air molecules are farther apart.

• Cold air molecules are farther apart, while warm air molecules are closer together.

• Both cold and warm air molecules are equally spaced.

• Cold air molecules move faster than warm air molecules.