The Coriolis Effect is a common component of most Earth and environmental science courses. This is one of the most, if not THE most intimidating topic for students to learn and teachers to teach. I use the following graphic organizer/coloring sheet to help student understanding. Like most atmospheric topics in general, students really, REALLY struggle with this concept.
Link to Download Coloring Sheet
Implementation
I always include a filled-in version of the notes I create. Sometimes I use the template I created to look at and just throw a blank copy under the documentary camera and lecture while filling in a blank copy in front of the class. Alternatively, if you do not want to lecture, this short youtube video could serve as a good source to take notes from.
My favorite strategy, however, is to this out like normal notes with students and then I ask them to put the sheet away and redraw the concept using chalk markers (or even on the back). We wrap up the lesson by turning to face or shoulder partners to explain (no notes!)
Avoid These Common Misconceptions
1. Students often think the Coriolis effect is responsible for the direction water drains in toilets or sinks, but this is not true. The effect influences large-scale systems like hurricanes, not small systems.
2. Students may believe the Coriolis effect causes or directly impacts the speed of wind. In reality, it only influences the wind’s direction.
3. Many students think the Coriolis effect has the same magnitude at all latitudes, but it is strongest at the poles and nonexistent at the equator.
4. Students often say “heat rises,” but it’s actually warm, less dense air that rises due to buoyancy, carrying heat with it.
