Exploring Weather

August 5, 1997

Weather is something we encounter each day and it has dramatic effects on our lives. It controls what we wear, activities we plan, transportation and many other aspects of daily life. It is important that we have an understanding of what weather is, what causes weather, how climate and weather are related, and how weather can be predicted. The following outline provides lesson ideas for topics on weather. Some of these activities and ideas I have not yet tried. Once I have tried them in my classroom, I will update the outline and lessons to include any helpful hints to make the activities more sucessful. Also, the time allotted for each activity may change dependent on time needed by students to complete these activities in the classroom.

LESSON	TOPIC	ACTIVITY	OBJECTIVE	TIME MANAGMENT	LEARNING STYLE	TEACHING MODE
1	The Effect of Weather on our Daily Lives	Concept Maps	Create concept maps that display brainstorming ideas on how weather affects students' daily lives.	45-50 minutes	Hands-on Discussion Listening	Small Group
2	Atmosphere	How does air keep the earth warm? Air Pressure	Name the layers of the atmosphere and explain how each protects the earth. Explain what air pressure is and where it is the greatest	2 45-50 minutes class periods	Hands-on Discussion Listening	Class Discussion Individual
3	How the Sun Heats the Earth?	a. Why is it hotter at the equator than at the poles? b. Which gets hotter light or dark surfaces?	Explain how the sun heats the earth. Explain why the equator is hotter than the poles. Digtinguish between direct and indirect sunlight.	2 45-50 minutes class periods	Hands-on Discussion Listening	Small Groups Labs Whole Class Discussion
4	Seasons	Revolving Earth	Define solstice and equinox and explain how seasons occur	45-50 minutes	Listening Discussion	Demonstration Whole Class Discussion
5	Water Cycle	a. Recycled Water: The Hydrologic Cycle b. Rainy Day Tales	Describe how water is recycled in the atmosphere.	3 45-50 minute class periods	Listening Discussion Creative Writing	Demonstration
6	Cloud Formation and Types	a.Cloud Types b. A Cloud in a Jar	Name and describe the cloud types and what weather condtions are assoicated with each.	2 45-50 minute class periods	Research Reading Hands-on	Small groups Internet Demonstration
7	Precipitation	a. Making Rain b.Rain, hail, Sleet, Snow	Explain how different types of precipition form.	2 45-50 minute class periods	Listening Reading Hands-on	Whole Class Discussion
8	Moisture in the Air	a. Just Dew It! b. It's All Relative	Describe how dew forms. Define and explain relative humidity.	2 45-50 minute class periods	Listening Lab/activity	Demonstration Small Groups Discussion
9	Air Masses and Fronts	a. Does Air Have Mass? b. Fronts	Describe the five types of air masses,where they originate, in what direction they move and the temperature of each. Describe each type of front and what type of weather each produces.	2 45-50 minute class periods	Reading Hands-on Research Listening	Demonstration Small Groups Whole Class Discussion
10	Winds	a. Prevailing Winds b. Local Winds c. Coriolis Force	Name and describe global wind patterns where they are located and in what direction they blow. Name local wind patterns, Describe the Coriolis Force and how it affects the global wind patterns.	3 45-50 minutue class periods	Listening Reading Research Observing	Demonstration Whole Class Discussion
11	Severe Weather	a. Storm Safety b. Chasing Hurricane Andrew	Explain how hurricanes, tornadoes and thunderstorms form. List safety procedures for each type of storm. Track a hurricane using given data.	3-4 45-50 minute class periods	Listening Reading	Small groups Whole Class Discussion
12	Weather Maps	a. InterpretingWeather Maps b. Weather Watch	Read and interpret information on weather maps. Predict weather and make weather maps using data collected.	2-3 45-50 minute class periods 2 weeks ( 10 minutes per class)	Listening Reading Hands-on	Whole Class Discussion
13	Future Weather	a. Greenhouse Effect b. Ozone Depletion	Explain how the Greenhouse Effect works and how it may affect the earth's weather. Explain what is causing ozone depletion and what people can do to prevent further depletion. Explain what affect ozone depletion may have on weather.	3-4 45-50 minute class periods	Hands-on Reading Research Lab Listening	Small Groups Internet Whole Class Discussion
14	Climate	Climate Regions	Describe the world climate zones,where they are located, and average temperature and precipitation in each.	45-50 minute class period	Listening Reading	Whole Class Discussion
15	Social Studies and Science Project	Culminating Activity: News Cast	Prepare and produce a 10 minute news cast.	2 weeks	Research Hands-on Reading	Small Groups

Assessment:

Students will be assessed by three quizes and a unit test. The quizes will be given after lesson 4, 8 and 11. The unit test will be given after lesson 14. The entries in the science journals, lab and activity write ups, and any products (such as posters or creative writing and oral presentations) will be apart of the student assessment. The culuminating activity will be the finial evaluation given to the students.

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If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions email Kelli Hopkins.