Process
Daily Tasks: Students will observe and record the weather daily. Groups will take pictures of the weather each day.
Day 1: Sharing what we know about weather
What do you know about weather? Make a “KWHL Chart” on weather. Graph our favorite weather.
What is a meteorologist?
What are some weather tools and what are they used for?
Day 2: Weather Observations
What do you know about your senses? How can our senses help us when observing the weather?
Go outside to observe the weather. Use your senses to make your observations. Chart them on our class weather chart.
Day 3: Recording the Weather
What was the weather like two weeks ago? What can help us remember what the weather is like from day to day and week to week? How do you think meteorologists keep up with the weather each day? Create a class calendar that we will use each day to record the weather. Introduce symbols for cloud cover, different precipitation, and wind. Observe the weather and record it on our class chart.
Day 4: Estimating Wind Speed
How can we tell how fast or slow the wind is blowing? Do you think meteorologists ever use any objects to help them determine the wind speed? What kind of objects could they use?
Introduce the “Beaufort Scale”. How could this scale help you to identify/record the wind speed?
We will use a similar scale to measure the wind speed. Our scale will be rated 0 to 3. The “0” will stand for “no wind”, “1” will stand for “some wind” and “3” will stand for “strong wind”.
Students create flags to use to measure the wind speed. Observe the wind and weather then graph our results on our “Wind Data Graph”. We will use this graph for the next few days.
Day 5: Reading a Thermometer
What do you know about thermometers?
Look at a thermometer. Discuss what the numbers mean. Brainstorm a list of words that describe temperature. Observe the weather outside and use a thermometer to measure the temperature.
Add our information to our class weather chart.
Today’s writing activity: In your Science Notebook, write about the many reasons we use thermometers. How do thermometers help us? Why is it important for us to know the temperature outside?
Day 6: Experimenting with Color and Temperature
Have you ever thought about whether the color of shirt you are wearing makes you feel hotter when you’re outside?
Which color do you think would attract more sun and make you hotter, black or white?
We’re going to experiment to find out. Use these instructions to get you started. Make predictions and then go outside to do the experiment.
Day 7: Making a Rain Gauge
When was the last time it rained? How much rain fell?
Meteorologists use a rain gauge to measure the amount of rain fall.
Students create a rain gauge using a plastic container and ruler. We will go outside to do an experiment measuring “pretend” rainfall using a watering can. Record your results and share.
Day 8: Exploring Puddles
Where do you see puddles when it rains? What happens to these puddles a day or two later? Where do the puddles go?
We’re going to do an experiment with puddles. Click the link below for the directions to the experiment.
Day 9: Observing Clouds
Create a web for the word “Clouds”. Brainstorm a list of words that relate to clouds.
Go outside and observe the clouds. What shapes are they? How high are they? Do they resemble any objects/pictures? Record your findings.
Use cotton balls and construction paper to create a cloud that you saw today then write about it.
Day 10: Classifying Clouds
Work with your team to observe cloud photos. Classify photos by their features. Share. Create a “Cloud Classification Chart” whole group. Discuss characteristics of “stratus, cumulus, and cirrus” clouds.
Day 11: Exploring Precipitation
Complete the “Day 11 Task Sheet”. Use the links below to help you find the information that you need. (Click here for “Day 11 Task Sheet”.)
Day 12: Exploring Seasons
Click on the link below to learn more about the seasons:
Complete “Day 12 Task Sheet” comparing two of the seasons. (Click here for “Day 12 Task Sheet”.)
Day 13: Weather Patterns throughout the regions in the US
Each team will research a region in the US. Teams should choose a city from the North, South, East, and West of their region and research the weather for today.
Group 1: Midwest
Group 2: West
Group 3: Southwest
Group 4: Northeast
Group 5: Southeast
Locate the weather and record it on the “Day 13 Task Sheet” then color your region on the map. (Click here for “Day 13 Task Sheet and map”.)
Day 14: Continue Day 13 Tasks
If you finish early, review meteorology tools by exploring the websites below:
Day 15: Severe Weather
Complete the “Day 15 Task Sheet” on your group’s type of severe weather. You will be presenting about your type of severe weather to everyone else so be sure to include lots of details. (
Group 1: Tornadoes
Group 2: Winter Storms
Group 3: Thunderstorms
Make a thunderstorm:
Group 4: Hurricanes
Group 5: Floods
Day 16: Finish “Day 15” activity
Day 17: Present on your type of severe weather while others record notes using “Day 17 Task Sheet”.
Day 18: Safety Precautions for Severe Weather
Weather Wizkids - Weather Safety
Day 19: Work with your group on your presentation.
Group 1: Wind Patrol - How does moving air/wind affect the launch? (2-3.1)
· Include pictures of the wind blowing objects and their affects.
· Include the Beaufort Scale
Group 2: Falling Skies - How will precipitation affect the launch (snow, sleet, rain, hail)? (2-3.2)
· Include pictures of precipitation
· Show the different types of precipitation…include pictures and information about each type
Group 3: Tool Time - How does temperature, wind speed, and direction affect the launch? (2-3.2)
· Make weather tools: create a thermometer and
· Find video of wind and meteorologists tools
· Use materials to measure wind and temperatures outside
· Interact with online meteorologist to see examples of actual weather tools
· Show examples of wind instruments
Sensational Seasons: What is the ideal season for the launch? (2-3.3)
· Find pictures online of each season
· Spend time researching each season individually and recording characteristics
· Create a chart to compare each season
Storm Chasers: How do storms affect the launch? What safety precautions would you take in the event of a storm? (2-3.2)
· Find videos on storms (tornadoes, lightning storms, hurricanes)
· Find pictures or videos of people practicing safety precautions
Day 20: Continue working on presentations. Create a rough draft of your slideshow using the template. (Click here for the slide template. Click here for the Powerpoint Criteria.)
Day 21: Continue working on the slideshow template. Begin creating slides on Powerpoint.
Day 22: Continue creating slides on Powerpoint.
Day 23: Finish Powerpoint and practice presentations.
Day 24: Presentations
Other Activities that will be Incorporated:
· 4-H Lesson on "Floods"
· Create a survival kit for emergencies
· Dr. Doug lesson on “Trina’s Twister Tales”
· Interview a meteorologist
· Field Trip to Discovery Place/News Station