The most recent El Niņo event (1997-98) was blamed for many weather disturbances, including hot summers, changes in rainfall, and mild winters. Few people really understand what El Niņo is and whether it actually affects the weather in their own region.

In this activity, students will download regional weather data available on the Internet to an Excel spreadsheet to calculate average temperature, then graph the results. Students can then analyze the graph to determine if El Niņo cycles have affected the weather patterns in a selected geographic area. This inquiry activity challenges students to use their analytical skills and creativity to make sense of the weather patterns they identify through the data.

NOTE: This activity uses a spreadsheet to answer a scientific question and assumes understanding of the basic operation of a spreadsheet. Although it is an effective activity for building upon and reinforcing basic spreadsheet skills, it is not a good activity for introducing spreadsheets.

Grades 7-12