Table Talk math

7/8/2017

Week 36: Temperature

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It was 86 F on Sunday, now it's 43 F. But it's NOT half as warm, can any non meteorologists explain why? pic.twitter.com/TllN4e8XoI

— Keith Carson (@KeithCarson) April 18, 2017
This time of year, the weather starts playing tricks on us. One day, it's snowing; the other, warm and sunny. What gives?!
The above tweet from a weatherman in Maine, originally retweeted into my feed by Tracy Zager, demonstrates an incredible question based on weather patterns.

Why doesn't 43 degrees Fahrenheit feel half as warm as 86 degrees Fahrenheit? Would it be different in Celsius?

Here's another example with a bit better shorts-and-flip-flop outlook (sorry if you're in a place where it isn't warm and sunny):
Picture
What is the difference in the high temperature and low temperature on Sunday, April 23rd?

Why are the highs expected to fluctuate so much, but the lows remain fairly consistent?

Does the wind speed have an effect on how warm it feels outside?

Yes, these questions can be answered with the help of science, and that's perfectly fine. Here's my challenge to you as a parent or teacher: take a screenshot of the 7 (or 10) day forecast in your area and ask your child(ren) what questions they have. Pick one or two, and work to answer them. Then, when you're done, send me the image on Twitter or email.

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    John Stevens is working to give parents ideas on how to have mathematics-based discussion at home. 

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