Grade Level/Unit:

Grade One

• Introduction to the Online Research Model
• Our Earth and Observing the Earth, Sky, and Weather

Essential Question/Focus:

How can the research process help us to find information?

How can clouds help us to predict the weather?

Standard 1.0 Skills/Processes

Indicator

Objectives

• Describe what can be learned about things by just observing those things carefully and adding information by sometimes doing something to the things and noting what happens.
• Seek information through reading, observation, exploration, and investigations.Standard 1.0 Earth/Space

Standard 1.0 Earth/Space

Indicator

2. Describe that some events in nature have repeating patterns.

• Observe and compare day-to-day weather changes.
• Observe, record, and compare weather changes from month to month.
• Compare temperatures and type and amount of precipitation across the months.
• Identify the impact of  weather changes on daily activities.
• Identify and describe patterns of weather conditions based on data collected.

Standard 2.0 Comprehension of Informational Text

Indicator 4: Determine important ideas and messages in informational texts.

• identify main idea/messages (Gr. 1-E-4-F)
• retell important facts from a text (Gr. 1-A-4-D)
• identify prior knowledge that clarifies the main idea of the text (Gr. 1-E-2-A)

Maryland Technology Literacy Standards for Students

• Use technology tools,including software and
  hardware, from a range of teacher-selected options to learn new content or reinforce skills (Std. 3 - Gr. 1 - A - 1 - a)
  
• Participate in class lessons using technology for brainstorming and shared writing (Std 3 - Gr. 1 - B - 1 - a)
• Participate in a class lesson using technology tools to collect, display, and interpret data (Std 3 - Gr. 1 - B - 1 - b)

• communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats. (2-b)

Differentiation 
and 
Extension Activities

Alternate products:

• Teachers may choose to use Bubbleshare or OneTrueMedia instead of VoiceThread for student sharing of information.
• Students can create a Cloud Watcher's handbook. They may want to use this Handbook Cover and Handbook Checklist for help.
• Students can use computer programs such as KidPix, PowerPoint, or Microsoft Word to create their booklets. Use thisSlideshow Template,  Slideshow Draft Pages, and Slideshow Scoring Tool with student groups making a slideshow in MS PowerPoint, using the art tool in WordPad.
• Students can create a video documentary