Mean Temperature

About this Topic

Mean temperature – calculated as the average of daily temperatures over a given period – is an important way for scientists, policymakers, and businesses to understand how the climate is changing and how it affects our world. This information helps decision-makers make informed choices for a sustainable future. Find out how this key measure provides valuable insights into our changing environment and what it means for our planet.

Where is the data coming from?:

Here you can find a collection of all datasets used in the projects below. Click on each title to view the information for yourself, or download project-specific spreadsheets from each individual project.

Create your own Data Visualization Project!

We’ve simplified the data above to make it more easy to understand! This simplified data is used to make the MakeCode for the sample projects below. You can use this simplified data to create your own projects too!

Simplified Data on Mean Temperature

Science Spotlight Education Reference:

Want to learn more about this topic? Check out some Science Spotlight Research papers written by Canadian Science Centres and Museums in collaboration with the GenAction Initiative!

Data Visualization Projects

NEOPIXEL GRID PROJECT

Future Temperature Change in Different Climate Scenarios

Project Description:

Using the micro:bit and Neopixel Grid, students can visualize and compare average temperature changes across their province during three different time periods: the recent past (1980 – 2010, the immediate future (2030 – 2059), and the near future (2060 – 2089). With colorful lights representing temperature data, students can make observations on weather patterns, rising or falling averages, or even as they scroll through the decades.

When viewing the predicted data for the future, students also have an opportunity to view this data through the lens of a high carbon or low carbon scenario. A high carbon scenario is where emissions continue to rise throughout the twenty-first century, and a low carbon scenario is where we have met our goals set by climate policies like the Paris Accord . This will allow them to see the difference that can be made by human intervention. Students will analyze data trends, and gain a deeper understanding of climate science.

This project is an interactive and engaging way to teach students about the impact of climate change and the importance of monitoring environmental data.

START BUILDING! Future Temperature Change in Different Climate Scenarios Instructions

Legend

Use the bottom row of LEDs on your activity as a legend to determine what the different LED colours refer to:

LED 1 & 2 – blue = 9℃ or lower
LED 3 & 4 – purple = between 9℃ and 12℃
LED 5 & 6 – orange = between 13℃ and 15℃
LED 7 & 8 – Red = above 15℃

Button A

This will change the time period

The Recent Past (1980-2005)
The Immediate Future ( 2030-2050)
The Near Future (2060-2080)

Button B

This will change the decade within the chosen time period

The Recent Past (1980,1990,2000)
The Immediate Future (2030,2040,2050)
The Near Future (2060,2070,2080)

Button A+B

will change the carbon scenario (can only be changed when in either the Immediate Future or Near Future time period) between viewing data in a High Carbon and Low Carbon scenario.

Make Code:

Electronic Kit: https://steamlabs.ca/data-visualization/free-kits/#activity

Neopixel Grid Setup:

Hardware Setup Support: https://steamlabs.ca/data-visualization/hardware/#activity

SERVO MOTOR PROJECT

Average Annual Temperature

Project Description:

Using the micro:bit and a 180 degree servo motor, students can visualize the average temperature across Canada, thier province, or even thier own city. They can view this average over three different time periods: the recent past (1980 – 2010, the immediate future (2030 – 2059), and the near future (2060 – 2089). By using the microbit and servo motor, children can transform abstract climate data into tangible movements, fostering a greater understanding of the impact of temperature changes on our daily lives.

When viewing the predicted data for the future, students also have an opportunity to view this data through the lens of a high carbon or low carbon scenario. A high carbon scenario is where emissions continue to rise throughout the twenty-first century, and a low carbon scenario is where we have met our goals set by climate policies like the Paris Accord . This will allow them to see the difference that can be made by human intervention. Students will analyze data trends, and gain a deeper understanding of climate science.

By visualizing the average annual temperatures in this manner, this project sparks curiosity, encourages critical thinking, and promotes a deeper understanding of our nation’s climate diversity.

START BUILDING! Average Annual Temperature Instructions