Curriculum Alignment

Whatever the Weather

Research Process

 

Activities
     

Scenario

Have you ever watched the weather forecast on TV? The meteorologist tells us what the day's weather will probably be. Maybe the day will be sunny and warm. Maybe the day will be windy, with a high of 50ºF. Maybe there is a chance of snow!

People watch the weather forecast because it helps them plan for their day. If the forecast calls for cool temperatures, then you know you should wear a jacket to school. If the forecast calls for rain, then you should probably bring an umbrella in your backpack.

How do changes in weather affect our daily life?

Task

 We are going to collect and record weather data for the next five days, using an online, five-day forecast. Using this information and information from other sources, we will draw conclusions about trends in the weather, and how those trends affect our lives.

Product

We will create a weather song to share our conclusions with others.

 

 

Assessment

Click here to see your project checklist.

 

Questions

Remember our essential question?

How do changes in weather affect our daily life?

Click the meteorologist to help you get started!

Gather

Use many resources to gather information.

Print Resources

  • Use the Destiny Catalog in your school library to locate and read fiction and nonfiction books about weather.
  • Use books provided by your classroom teacher.
  • Check the public library

Internet Resources

database

  • Use the World Wide Web to check out some interesting sites about weather.
  • Check out these sites.
    www.wunderground.com - weather information for anywhere in the U.S. or world
    www.wbaltv.com - great online site uses schools to gather information about current conditions
    www.wxdude.com - the Weather Dude, Nick Walker has information and songs about weather
    Franklin's Forecast- (not the turtle) good site about weather from the Franklin Institute
    Kids Info - site of great sites on weather for kids, most sites easy to read

 

Complete this chart as you gather information.

Organize

Analyze:
Use this graphic organizer to record your weather information about Baltimore, Maryland. Use your information chart to answer the questions.

Synthesize:
Now that you have gathered information about weather conditions, activities, food and clothing, we are ready to create our song.

Evaluate:
Review the checklist for your song. Make sure that you have completed all the steps.

Conclude

 

Presentation:
Now it is time to share your songs with your classmates. Listen carefully as each song is sung. Look at each song's illustrations. How are the songs alike? How are the songs different?

Reflection:
How do changes in weather affect our daily lives?

Can you think of other things besides food, activities and clothing that are affected by changes in weather?

What kind of weather is your favorite? Why?