What's The Air Forecast?
Activity 2 (Explain): What is Weather?
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Activity Summary
In this activity, students learn to interpret a weather forecast by learning about the different terms and units involved in weather such as temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation, sky condition, and air pressure. They use this information to determine if the hazy sky in the photograph could be naturally occurring fog.
Important Note about this Activity: This activity provides a brief background in weather terminology and concepts to allow students to engage with the activities that follow. Ideally, students will have already explored these ideas in a prior unit, and this lesson can serve more as a refresher than new learning. If students have already studied weather before, you may choose to skip the first part of this activity, but make sure to do the “Return to the Phenomenon” section (step 5).
Activity Objectives & Materials
Approximate Time: 1-2 class periods
Objectives:
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Students will understand the primary characteristics used to describe weather
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Students will use weather data to determine if the phenomenon is natural or man-made
Materials:
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Computer & projector
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Resources for students to research weather terms (computers & internet, textbooks, library books, etc.)
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Markers (if students are using chart paper)
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I Have, Who Has cards (optional) – printed and cut
Handouts:
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Visual vocabulary sheets (enough based on how many each student will do) OR chart paper for each entry
Standards Connection
Warm-up
1. Frame the Activity
2. Parts of Weather Model
3. Visual Vocabulary
4. I Have, Who Has (optional)
5. Return to the Phenomenon
6. Defining Weather
7. Formative Assessment