In this data activity, students interpret raw data on snow cover and explore the climatic impact of the "lake effect" - a significant factor determining snowfall amount in the Great Lakes drainage basin is the surface temperature of the lakes. Step-by-step instructions for use of the MY NASA DATA Live Access Server (LAS) guide students through selecting a data set, importing the data into a spreadsheet, creating graphs, and analyzing data plots. The lesson provides detailed procedures, related links and sample graphs, follow-up questions, extensions, and teacher notes. Designed for student use, MY NASA DATA LAS samples micro datasets from large scientific data archives, and provides structured investigations engaging students in exploration of real data to answer real world questions. An inquiry investigation is included as an extension activity.
