Weather It's Right or Not

Author Names: Kevin Polk

Grade level:  Fifth Grade

Subjects
 

Science

Time Frame
@20-minute sections, five days

Objectives

In this lesson, students will:

• Students will observe a weekly weather forecast for two different channels
• Students will predict which station is more accurate and write their predictions on paper
• Students will watch and record the actual temperatures for five days
• Students will determine if their predictions were correct by comparing their charts and their previous writings

 

TV, VCR, prerecorded weather forecast from two different stations, a thermometer, Internet, charts

Procedure

1. Show students the video of two weekly weather forecasts.

2. Have students record the two forecasts on paper and write which of the two they decide will be more accurate.  They should also state why they chose that particular weather channel.

3. Students will now create a weather chart such as the one found at

4. Allow students to check the actual daily temperature for five days on the thermometer and on the internet at

5. Students will record their data on the charts and at the end of the week determine if their predictions were correct.

6. Last, students will share their findings with the class.
 

Curriculum Frameworks Addressed by this Lesson:
PROCESS OF SCIENCE
Observing is a process used to develop an awareness of the surrounding environment.
 Tennessee Standard 1.1a - Observing is a process used to develop an awareness of the surrounding environment.
Benchmarks: Awareness of our surroundings is a result of individual observations and prior knowledge.
THEME: 1.2 QUESTIONING - The development of an inquisitive mind and the effective use of questioning techniques furthers the acquisition of information.
Tennessee Standard 1.2a - Initial information and prior knowledge are used to ask questions.
Benchmarks: Questions developed to study scientific concepts are based upon previous knowledge and experiences.
Tennessee Standard 1.2b - Questions may be structured so that they can be investigated scientifically.
THEME: 1.3 COLLECTING DATA - The acquiring, recording, arranging and storing of information must be performed in a complete, accurate, concise and user-friendly manner.
Tennessee Standard 1.3a - Data are collected using the senses, instrumentation, and a variety of other technologies.
Benchmarks: Information gathered through the use of instrumentation and/or experimentation is to be managed so that data can be easily retrieved.
THEME: 1.5 EXPLAINING - Phenomena and related information are made understandable through discussion that culminates in a higher level of learning.
Tennessee Standard 1.5a - Tables and graphs may be used to interpret the meaning and significance of data.
Benchmarks: Things change in steady, repetitive, or irregular ways. Tables, charts, and graphs are effective ways to show quantitative values and relationships.
Tennessee Standard 1.5b - Nonmathematical language may be used to interpret the relationships presented in mathematical form.
Benchmarks: Written and verbal presentations are used to explain information presented in charts, graphs, and tables.
Tennessee Standard 1.5c - Information should be related to prior knowledge.
Benchmarks: The process of making predictions, drawing inferences, and developing conclusions is based upon an individual’s prior learning and understanding of scientific principles.

For additional relevant information, visit the following Web sites:

Title1: EarthWatch Weather
URL1: http://www.earthwatch.com/CURRENTLY/currently.html

Title2: Ask Weather Questions
URL2: http://www.niceweather.com/ww/
 

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