Related Lessons: weather maps and symbols, scientific instruments
Grade Level: 4th Grade
Unit: Mt. Zion Meteorologists & Weather Watchers
Goals
Content Standards: 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.
ISTE NETS-S
Communication and Collaboration
Research and information fluency
Digital Citizenship
Technology Operations and Concepts
Instructional Objectives: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the difference between weather and climate. They will finalize their Power Point presentations and create a news weather report for the morning announcements.
Action
Before Class Preparation:
Post KWHL Chart from Google Docs on the SMARTboard.
Gather video cameras for students to film their news weather report video.
Create a Google Doc page for each group to write their video script.
Provide each group with a flash drive to save their presentation, so it can be loaded to the SMARTboard.
During Class
Time
Instructional Activities
Materials and resources
10 mintutes
Revisit the KWHL chart to review what the students have learned about weather patterns and weather maps.
Present students with the new essential question, and allow them to contribute what they know and want to know about the differences between weather and climate. Teacher adds to the Google Doc as students add to their individual KWHL chart.
Computers with Internet access for teacher and each student
Students will rejoin their collaborative groups to gather information about the differences between weather and climate, viewing the available web resources and videos.
Students will gather, collaborate about, and add the following information to their group's Power point presentation:
Research information about the differences between weather and climate.
A prediction of the current weather pattern based on observations and records of weather conditions.
Computers with Internet access for teacher and each student
1 day (5 minute minimum for each group presentation.)
Review the rubric with students before giving them an opportunity to finalize their presentation and add creativity and individuality with different fonts, colors, and graphics.
Each group will present their Power Point presentation to share the knowledge they gained about weather data, weather maps, and the difference between weather and climate.
Students will collaborate in Google Docs to write a script for a news weather report, creating a video as meteorologists, detailing:
Data about current weather patterns in the local area using a weather map.
An explanation of the symbols on the weather map so the audience can understand the patterns in weather conditions and upcoming forecasts.
Access to Google Docs page for each group
Computer with Internet access for each student
1 day
Each group will film their video with the opportunity to practice in front of a green screen. The students will use Microsoft Movie Maker to create graphics for their video background.
Groups will each present their video they created for the morning announcements, and the class will vote on which group will go on the morning announcements first. Groups will continue to rotate presenting weekly, including the responsibility of gathering and interpreting weather data. Final Power Point presentations and video weather reports will be graded based on the teacher-created rubric.
Notes: As the students apply what they have learned, ensure that they are relating the information that they are gathering to their own problem and local forecast. Provide students with tips for enhancing the individuality and presentation of their Power Point. Students may also need additional support in learning how to use Microsoft Movie Maker to create their video.
Monitor
Ongoing assessments: Students will continue to be monitored by the instructor as they progress through their research and collaboration towards their group Power Point presentation and video. The rubric will be used to assess final presentations and videos.
Accommodations and Extensions:The teacher can provide a tutorial for students to learn how to create a video using Windows Movie Maker. Students with special visual or language needs will be able to access the KWHL chart online in Google Docs as an accommodation to creating their own KWHL chart. As an extention, students can create their own video and audio clips to add to their group's presentations. To appeal to students with strong musical intelligences, they could add to their presentation by creating a song using an instrumental version on You Tube about what they learned about weather.
Back-up Plan: If the technology is unavailable, students can create a poster or choose another appropriate presentation style to share what they learn. Students can use books and newspaper articles to gather information. If a video camera is not available, groups can write their script on paper and present it in front of the class.
Evaluation
Lesson Reflection and Notes: Gather student KWHL charts for a final evaluation of what individual students have learned. Encourage students to ask questions and lead whole group discussions after each group shares their presentation and video. Provide students with thorough feedback on their rubric to highlight what went well and what the student could improve upon.
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.
minimum for
each group
presentation.)
Monitor
Evaluation