Original Project
Weather and Climate I: Basic Elements
Item WC094002: Air temperature decreases with increasing distance above sea level.
As a family climbs a mountain, they notice that it is windier, cloudier, and feels colder the higher they climb. Each family member has a different explanation for why the air feels colder higher on the mountain. Which of the following explanations is TRUE?
- The air temperature is actually increasing because they are getting closer to the sun, but it feels colder because it is windier higher on the mountain.
- The air temperature is not changing, but it feels colder because it is windier higher on the mountain.
- The air temperature is not changing, but it feels colder because they are closer to the clouds the higher they climb.
- It feels colder because the air temperature is actually decreasing the higher they climb.
- Distribution of Responses
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 1234 | 2494 | 50% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 709 | 1424 | 50% |
| 9–12 | 524 | 1065 | 49% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 602 | 1210 | 50% |
| Female | 603 | 1228 | 49% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 1086 | 2173 | 50% |
| Other | 107 | 223 | 48% |