This activity illustrates the power of the Sun that drives a global air circulation system that is also responsible for tropical and subtropical climate zones. Through experiments, students learn how heated air rises above cool air and how a continuous heat source produces air convection streams that can even drive a propeller. Students then apply what they have learnt to the big picture of the global air circulation system in the equatorial region in a large-scale context.

Activity Information

Big Ideas

Source: AstroEdu – International Astronomical Union