Mystery Class Update: March 7, 2008

Today's Report Includes:

This Week's: Data, Questions and Journal

Sunrise/Sunset Data for Monday, Mar 3 New each week!
This Week's Questions (Handout)
Mystery Class Journal
(Journal page)

Predict: What Will Your Graph Look Like?
After six weeks of data can you tell where the photoperiod graph lines are heading?

In today's Handout above, predict the way your graph will look at the end of March.
The Longitude Clues: Coming Next Week! 

Expecting the Longitude Clues in today's report? Well, have no fear, they are near and will be in next week's report, March 14th.

For now, as you plot the changes on your graph, think about how the Sun's light is also changing the way it strikes the Earth.

Explore this in your journal after studying the photos below. This will help you to better understand how to use the Longitude Clues to estimate each site's longitude.

Journaling: How Sunlight Strikes the Earth

Draw an imaginary longitude line in both photos running from the North to the South Pole right down the middle of the United States (about 95 degrees west).

Look at the December photo and describe when sunrise occurs along the line (e.g. pick two places north of, and two south of the equator). Is sunrise occurring at the same time at all these locations along the line, or at different times?

Then look at the March photo and describe when sunrise occurs at the same locations along the line. Is there a difference between the two dates? Why?


December 21


March 20

Try This! Eggstra, Eggstra, Read All About It
There's still time to conduct
this eggceptional experiment.

Are There Special Powers on the Equinox? >>

Links: This Week's Mystery Class Resources 

Seasonal Cycles:

  • Viewing the Earth from Space: The 12-Month Cycle Viewed from Space >>

Materials and More:

  • Quick links to weekly updates, data, tips and resources >>

Mystery Class Deadlines:

  • Know What to Expect and When -- Mark your Calendars >>
More Mystery Class Lessons and Teaching Ideas!


The Next Mystery Classs Update Will Be Posted on March 14, 2008.