WEATHER

Nota:

• Georgia Performance Standard: S4E4. Students will analyze weather charts/maps and collect weather data to predict weather events and infer patterns and seasonal changes. a. Identify weather instruments and explain how each is used in gathering weather data and making forecasts (thermometer, rain gauge, barometer, wind vane, anemometer). b. Using a weather map, identify the fronts, temperature, and precipitation and use the information to interpret the weather conditions. c. Use observations and records of weather conditions to predict weather patterns throughout the year. d. Differentiate between weather and climate.

1. Weather Instruments (M)

   Nota:

   • EQ: How do weather instruments help us to forecast/predict the weather?
   1. Discussion

      Nota:

      • Whole Class: about Meteorology
      1. K-W-L Chart
      2. Summary

         Nota:

         • Review EQ and standard for the day's lesson with students. Give students data collecting sheet to take home and fill out after watching weather report on news or looking it up online. Compare the data to what was observe/collected using homemade instruments throughout week.
   2. Video

      Nota:

      • Building commitment and Engagement Watch United Streaming Video, "Weather Smart"
   3. Guided Practice

      Nota:

      • Independent work
      1. Data Collecting Chart

         Nota:

         • 3-column chart: Lists instruments, their job, and a sketch Answers: thermometer, rain gauge, barometer, wind vane
   4. Independent Practice

      Nota:

      • Homework: p.46 in SCience workbook, "Measuring Weather"
   5. Assessments

      Nota:

      • Update K-W-L charts with new information Answer the EQ in science journal
2. Measuring Rain (T)

   Nota:

   • EQa: How do weather instruments help us to forecast/predict the weather? EQb: What is a rain gauge and why is it used?
   1. Assessments

      Nota:

      • Update K-W-L charts with new information Answer the EQ in science journal
   2. Guided Practice

      Nota:

      • Show students a homemade rain gauge.
      1. Hands-on Activity

         Nota:

         • Students will make their own rain gauge with a 2-Liter bottle, a ruler, and small pebbles for weights Place them in the school courtyard to begin collecting data. Weather report indicates a 60% chance of rain.
   3. Discussion

      Nota:

      • Group / Whole Class
      1. K-W-L Chart

         Nota:

         • Define and assess prior knowledge
      2. Review / Sumamary

         Nota:

         • Review lesson from day before along with the EQ and standard for the day's lesson with students. Give students data collecting sheet to take home and fill out after watching weather report on news or looking it up online. Compare the data to what was observe/collected using homemade instruments throughout week.
   4. Video

      Nota:

      • Build Commitment and Engagement Watch: "Radar & Rain Gauges: Locating & Measuring Precipitation"
   5. Independent Practice

      Nota:

      • Complete the "Rain Check" questions in the book HW: Watch weather report or go online to collect data and next day forecast. Share with class following day.
3. Measuring Temperature (W)

   Nota:

   • EQa: How do weather instruments help us to forecast/predict the weather? EQb: How does temperature change over time?
   1. Assessments

      Nota:

      • Update K-W-L charts with new information Answer the EQ in science journal
   2. Discussion

      Nota:

      • Discuss discrepancies in data reported night before to current data observed and collected.
      1. Review / Summary

         Nota:

         • Review lesson from day before along with the EQ and standard for the day's lesson with students. Give students data collecting sheet to take home and fill out after watching weather report on news or looking it up online. Compare the data to what was observe/collected using homemade instruments throughout week.
      2. AIMS Booklet

         Nota:

         • Students will assemble an AIMS booklet, "Weather Measures," which they will read with the teacher.
   3. Guided Practice

      Nota:

      • Show student a thermometer and explain Celsius and Fahrenheit
      1. Hands-on Activity

         Nota:

         • 1) Students take temperature in and outside for comparison. Complete "Temperature Tally" sheet 2) Record data from rain gauge's in journals or on weather sheet
   4. Independent Practice

      Nota:

      • Work with a partner on "Temperature Tally" questions in journal. HW: same throughout week
4. Measuring Air Pressure (TH)

   Nota:

   • EQ: How do weather instruments help us to forecast/predict the weather? EQb: How can changes in air pressure be measured?
   1. Assessments

      Nota:

      • Update K-W-L charts with new information Answer the EQ in science journal
   2. Video
   3. Guided Practice

      Nota:

      • Show students a barometer
      1. Hands-on

         Nota:

         • Students will make a tool that measures air pressure. Record data on recording sheet and add to journal. Students will compare their data with that of the NAtional Weather Service's report.
      2. AIMS activity
   4. Discussion

      Nota:

      • What is purpose of a barometer? Air has weight and air pressure is the weight of air per unit of area. Air pressure change is generally slow but when sudden changes occur it usually means cooler weather or revere weather. Air pressure is measured in millibars.
      1. REview / Summary

         Nota:

         • Discuss any discrepancies in data collect and that noted on the National Weather Service.
      2. K-W-L Chart
   5. Independent Practice

      Nota:

      • Work with partner to answer "Highs and Lows" questions in journal. HW: Watch weather report or go online to collect data
5. Wind: Detecting and Measuring (F)

   Nota:

   • EQ: How do weather instruments help us to forecast/predict the weather? EQb: How is wind detected and measured?
   1. Assessments

      Nota:

      • Update K-W-L charts with new information Answer the EQ in science journal
   2. Video

      Nota:

      • "Anemometers and Wind Vanes: Measuring Wind"
   3. Guided Practice

      Nota:

      • Show students a pinwheel. 
      1. AIMS activity

         Nota:

         • AIMS pgs. 131-140
      2. Hands-on

         Nota:

         • Students will make a wind detector using a piece of ribbon and a straw. Students will go outside to observe wind movement. Students will demonstrate being the wind at different strengths. Students observe their wind detector at different heights and in different places. Students will answer questions: How did the wind compare at different heights? What does your wind detector tell you about the wind? Complete activity page, record answers to questions in journal Class will create a Wind Force Scale, and collect data outside.
   4. Discussion
      1. Review / Summary

         Nota:

         • Review lesson from day before along with the EQ and standard for the day's lesson with students. Gain input of student prior knowledge- ask how a pinwheel can indicate the movement of wind or air. Explain that wind is moving air and meteorologist measure wind speed and note it's direction to help predict/forecast the weather. Give students data collecting sheet to take home and fill out after watching weather report on news or looking it up online. Compare the data to what was observe/collected using homemade instruments throughout week.
      2. K-W-L Chart
   5. Independent Practice

      Nota:

      • Work with a partner on "It's A Breeze" questions. Answer in journal. HW: same throughout week