Science
SCI.V.3.2
Strand V :
Using Scientific Knowledge in Earth Science
Standard 3:
Grade: 5
Atmosphere and Weather - All students will explain what causes
different kinds of weather
Benchmark 2:
Describe the composition and characteristics of the atmosphere.
Constructing and Reflecting:
SCI.I.1.1 - Generate scientific questions about the world based on observation.
SCI.I.1.2 - Design and conduct scientific investigations.
SCI.II.1.1 - Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of claims, arguments, or data.
Vocabulary / Key Concepts
Context
Composition:
• air
• molecules
• gas
• water vapor
• dust particle
Examples of characteristics of the atmosphere:
• steam
• pressurized cabins in airplanes
• demonstrations of air pressure
Characteristics:
• air pressure
• temperature changes with altitude
• humidity
Examples of air-borne particulates:
• smoke
• dust
• pollen
• bacteria
Effects of humidity:
• such as condensation
• dew on surfaces
• comfort level of humans.
Knowledge and Skills
The students will identify and explain the
composition of the atmosphere, discussing
molecular components like water vapor and other
gases. Characteristics of the atmosphere will be
summarized using examples such as air pressure,
temperature changes and humidity.
Resources
Coloma Resources:
How the Earth works – pgs 150-180
Other Resources:
•
Bill Nye: Water Cycle, Atmosphere, Pollution
Solution
•
BCISD Earth Science Resources
•
Air Masses: Michigan State Booklet
•
CLIMATE EFFECTS ON HUMAN
HEALTHhttp://www.ciesin.org/docs/001%2D
338/001%2D338.html
•
Weather Topics: indexed weather topics
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/index/win
dex.htm
•
Weather Animations by USA Today
depicting weather phenomena relating to air
masses, air pressure, El Nino, floods,
hurricanes, lightning, optical effects,
seasons, storms, winds, and more.
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wgraph0.h
tm
•
Michigan Teacher Network Resources
5th Grade Science Curriculum
Technology Resources
V.3.MS.2 Describe the composition and
characteristics of the atmosphere.
Vernier probes available: Relative Humidity,
Barometer
Instruction
Assessment
Focus Question: What is water vapor/humidity
and how does it affect weather?
Optional Assessment:
Assessment II (JCISD)
The Clooneys took a car trip across the United
States, from their home in San Francisco to
New York.
The fog was really heavy when they left San
Francisco. Fog in the air means that the air
contains more:
a.
dust particles
b.
ozone
c.
water vapor
d.
acid rain
One activity to show water vapor/humidity is to
use 2 tablespoons Cobalt Chloride to one pint of
water solution. Coffee filters are dipped into the
solution and hung to dry. Students should then cut
the coffee filters into a cloud shape. Students
place “coffee filter cloud” in their bathroom at
home and observe the color of the “cloud” before
they shower, then again after they shower.
Students record observations.
(The cobalt chloride will show red with the
presence of water. It will be blue when the air
is dry.)
Assessment I
Students will build models to show variations in air
pressure or humidity. They will work with the
model to explore and collect data on the properties
of air. They will write their observations and
conclusions from the investigation. They will relate
their work to another application such as hot air
balloons, temperature variation at the top and
bottom of a mountain, and pressurized cabins on
an airplane.
(Scoring rubric in teacher notes – give to students
prior to activity)
The drive along the New Jersey coastline
was beautiful. They began to perspire
heavily as they walked along the beach. The
humidity was very high. This meant that
which gas molecules were most present in
the air?
a.
smog
b.
water vapor
c.
acid rain
d.
industrial emissions
As they drove up into the Rocky Mountains, the
Clooney’s ears began to pop. Then when they
got out of their car to walk to a scenic view, they
all noticed that they were breathing more heavily
than when they walk in San Francisco. This was
due to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
low pressure and high temperatures
high altitude and low humidity
high altitude and low pressure
high humidity and high temperatures
Teacher Notes:
The atmosphere is a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and trace gases that include water vapor. The atmosphere has different
properties at different elevations. (NSES)
Focus Questions
•
•
What gases compose the atmosphere and why are they important?
What are their characteristics?
Scoring Rubric – Instruction I
Criteria:
Apprentice
Basic
Accuracy of observations:
Writes no observations.
Writes a few accurate observations.
Writes two accurate observations.
Writes three or more accurate observations.
Completeness of conclusions:
Writes no conclusions.
Writes one complete conclusion.
Writes two complete conclusions.
Writes three or more complete conclusions.
Meets
Exceeds