AAAS Science Assessment ~ Topics ~ Weather and Climate II: Seasonal Differences ~ Item CL010002

A teacher opens a window, and warm air from the outside blows through the window and into the classroom.

If the air in the classroom is the same temperature as the air entering the room, what will happen to the outside air as it enters the classroom?

The air coming in will rise even though it is the same temperature as the air around it because warm air always rises.
The air coming in will sink because it is not warmer than the air around it.
The air coming in coming in will not rise or sink because it is the same temperature as the air around it.
Whether or not the air rises, sinks, or stays at the same height as where it entered depends only on whether there is wind and not on the air temperature.

Distribution of Responses

Percent of students responding correctly

Overall	42%
Grades 6–8	38%
Grades 9–12	46%
Male	40%
Female	44%
Primary Language is English	43%
Primary Language is not English	33%

AAAS Science Assessment ^beta