Weather Watchers
Purpose
This science lesson is designed to teach grade 3-5
learners about weather. It can be adjusted accordingly.
Objective
Students will learn to find the temperature
using several Internet sources. They will be able to compare the
temperatures in other parts of the country. Learners will be able
to locate on an Internet map the specified locations. They will make
a chart to record the temperatures. After the charting period is
completed, students will use their math skills to average temperatures
and decide what location is the warmest and coldest.
Assignment
(It is suggested that students work in groups for this activity.)
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One person in the group should copy the following chart on to paper.
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In groups, students choose their own city plus four other cities to investigate.
These should be cities in different areas of the country. (For example:
Seattle, Washington; New York City, New York; Orlando, Florida; and Anchorage,
Alaska)
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Next, each group should fill in the chart with their chosen cities.
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Students should go to The
Weather Channel site to find the temperature each day.
(If this site is too busy try Intellicast
.)
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Each group should fill in the appropriate temperatures for that day and
enter the date in the "Day" box.
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Observations should last daily for one week. Students should fill
in the chart accordingly.
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On the 5th day, students should record which was the lowest temperature
and highest temperature.
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They should also find the average temperature for each city and record
it on the chart.
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On a separate sheet of paper, students should decide individually which
city they would like to live in and why. This should be communicated
in a well-written paragraph.
Other kid-friendly links on weather: Dan's
Wild Wild Weather Page & Bay
Kid's Weather Page
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Day #1 (Date) |
Day #2 (Date) |
Day #3 (Date) |
Day #4 (Date) |
Day #5 (Date)
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Average Temp. |
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Which city had the highest temperature of the week? __________________________
Which city had the lowest temperture of the week? __________________________
Which city would you rather be in? ______________________________________
Why? ______________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Assesment
To earn an A:
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Chart is completed neatly and accurately.
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Student was an active participant in group decisions and initiated many
ideas.
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Student completed written questions in a thoughtful way. They are
written using proper grammar and spelling.
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All assignments were turned in on time.
To earn a B:
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Chart was completed.
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Student participated in group decisions.
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Student completed written questions in a thoughtful way with minimal grammar
and spelling errors.
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All assignments were turned in on time.
To earn a C:
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Chart was completed.
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Student occassionally participated in discussion and decisions.
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Written questions were completed with some errors.
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All assignments were turned in.
To earn a D:
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Chart had several missing cells.
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Student was not often participating in decisions.
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Written questions were not fully completed and had many grammatical spelling
errors.
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All assignments were not turned in.
To earn an F:
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Chart was not fully completed and was not done neatly.
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Student did not particpate in discussion.
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Written questions were not thoughtful and neat.
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All assignments were not turned in.
