Science
SCI.V.3.1
Strand V:
Grade: 7
Using Scientific Knowledge in Earth Science
Standard 3:
Atmosphere and Weather - All students will investigate and describe
what makes up weather and how it changes from day to day, from season to
season and over long periods of time
Benchmark 1:
Explain patterns of changing weather and how they are measured.
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.
• Design an experiment with weather instruments.
SCI.I.1.3 - Use tools and equipment appropriate to scientific investigations.
SCI.I.1.4 - Use metric measurement devices to provide consistency in an investigation.
• Compare and contrast the Fahrenheit and Celsius (centigrade) temperature scales.
• Measure relative humidity using appropriate measuring devices (wet/dry thermometers).
SCI.I.1.6 - Write and follow procedures in the form of step-by-step instructions, formulas, flow diagrams, and
sketches.
• Chart the weather for two weeks including temperatures, precipitation kinds, wind, clouds, etc.
• On a weather map, identify highs, lows, warm and cold fronts.
SCI.II.1.1 - Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of claims, arguments, or data.
SCI.II.1.3 - Show how common themes of science, mathematics, and technology apply in real-world
contexts.
SCI.II.1.5 - Develop an awareness of and sensitivity to the natural world.
Vocabulary / Key Concepts
Context
Weather patterns:
• cold front
• warm front
• stationary front
• air mass
• humidity
•
Tools:
• thermometer
• rain gauge
• wind direction indicator
• anemometer
• weather maps
• satellite weather images
• cloud charts
• barometer
•
•
Sudden temperature and cloud formation
changes
Records, charts, and graphs of weather
changes over period of days
Lake effect snow
Knowledge and Skills
Resources
Coloma Resources:
Weather scientists/meteorologists try to predict the
weather. They use a variety of instruments to
measure weather in order to develop patterns. They
base their predictions on these measurements and
patterns.
Students will:
•
Use weather maps and satellite images to
detect weather patterns
•
Use weather maps and satellite images
information to write weather predictions
•
Manipulate a variety of weather measuring
instruments to measure temperature, wind
speed and direction, cloud cover, humidity, dew
point, amount of rainfall, and other weather
phenomena
“Investigating Weather Maps”
Prentice Hall: A Voyage of Exploration,
page 191.
Other Resources:
•
GLOBE - a cooperative effort of NASA,
NSF, the U.S. State Department, colleges,
universities, state and local school systems,
non-government organizations, and over
100 other countries. http://www.globe.gov
•
USA Today – Weather
•
Diagrams of fronts, p. 157 MEAP Coach
•
CNN – weather and more
•
The weather channel – tons of info!
•
Bill Nye: Atmosphere, Pollution Solution
Science Explosion: Weather
•
ReachOut Michigan – Earth Science
lessons – lots of great lessons in useful
format! Excellent resource!
•
ENC – Weather – over 50 outstanding sites
that include lessons and activities! Highly
recommended!
•
Discovery School – Curriculum Center –
Weather Lessons – Fabulous! Idea
starters, lesson plans, activities,
assessments – nice!
•
BCISD – classroom resources – earth
science – Atmosphere and Weather.
Fantastic list of web sites and lessons!
Resources Continued
Videoconferences Available
For more information, see
www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl or call Janine Lim
471-7725x101 or email jlim@remc11.k12.mi.us
V.3.MS.1 Explain patterns of changing
weather and how they are measured
Our Eyes in the Sky—Satellites from
Brownsburg Challenger Learning Center
Operation Montserrat from CET Challenger
Learning Center
Atmospheric Adventures from COSI Toledo
Weather from Liberty Science Center
Satellites: Tracking Weather to Your Front
Door from NASA Live
7th Grade Science Curriculum
Technology Resources
V.3.MS.1
Vernier probes available: Barometer,
Temperature Probe
Instruction
Focus Question: How do you interpret and
forecast weather?
Assessment
From the data collected in the Instructional
Example, students will work in small groups to
formulate weather patterns and explain
relationships. Each group will chart the patterns
using weather symbols and use all gathered
information to create a forecast to present to the
class. This forecast should include weather tools,
maps, and data tables.
A local meteorologist could be invited to speak to the
class as an introduction or to evaluate projects at the
end of the unit. The teacher will introduce students
to standard weather symbols. Students will track the
movement of weather across a global map using
Note: Changes in the jet stream can produce big
weather symbols. Students will use this data to
changes over a short period of time. Lake effect
interpret and predict forecasts of upcoming weather. snow makes snowfall variable. Summer
Students will observe, identify, and record weather
data using weather maps, satellite images, weather
measuring instruments, and local weather forecasts.
They will record their data in a data table.
Students will design and make one weather
instrument.
Using their constructed instrument, students will
design an investigation to show how that instrument
is used to predict the weather. Students will share
their tools and data with the class.
----------------------------------------------------------------Coloma Assessment:
Students will construct a poster showing 1 storm.
They will include illustrations of the storm, how the
storm forms and the effects of the storm.
Students will write a 5 paragraph essay to
accompany the poster to be presented orally.
Rubric: Attached
precipitation is notoriously variable over a small
area.
Teachers should be looking for logic and
consistency in write-up rather than a total reliance
on whether a forecast is right or wrong.
(Give students rubric before activity.)
Scoring Rubric
Criteria: Accuracy of data table
Apprentice - Produces a data table.
Basic - Produces a detailed data table.
Meets - Produces an organized data table that is
detailed.
Exceeds -Produces an organized data table that
is accurate and detailed and includes a graph of
the weather data.
Criteria: Accuracy of weather forecast –
Apprentice - Makes an inaccurate weather
prediction without reference to data table or tools.
Basic - Uses tools and data table to make an
inaccurate weather prediction.
Meets - Uses tools and data table to make an
accurate weather prediction.
Exceeds -Uses tools and data table to make
detailed and accurate weather predictions.
Teacher Notes:
V.3.MS.1 Weather changes constantly because the atmosphere is constantly moving. V.3.MS.3
Water is constantly evaporating from the surface of the earth, rising and condensing, and falling as
precipitation.
• Water, which covers the majority of the earth's surface, circulates through the crust, oceans, and
atmosphere in what is known as the "water cycle." Water evaporates from the earth's surface, rises
and cools as it moves to higher elevations, condenses as rain or snow, and falls to the surface where
it collects in lakes, oceans, soil, and in rocks underground.
• Water is a solvent. As it passes through the water cycle it dissolves minerals and gases and carries
them to the oceans.
• Clouds, formed by the condensation of water vapor, affect weather and climate.
• Global patterns of atmospheric movement influence local weather. Oceans/Great Lakes have a
major effect on climate, because water in the oceans holds a large amount of heat. (NSES)
Focus Questions
• What causes daily changes in weather?
• What causes water to travel through the atmosphere?
Names:
TOTAL POINTS 44
1. Oral Presentation (TOTAL= 20 pts)
A. Information given (2 pts each = 12 pts)
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Your Weather
What causes your weather/Signs you can look for
Preparation for weather
Cautions after weather
History of weather
Location of weather
B. Visual Poster (4 pts)
i. Colorful
ii. Creative
C. Participation (4 pts)
i. Everyone talks during presentation
ii. Everyone is introduced at the beginning of presentation
2. Written Essay (TOTAL- 24 pts)
A Title page (2 pts)
B. 2 pages on weather (including introduction and conclusion) (15 pts)
C. Reference Page (2 pts)
D. Spelling and grammar (5pts)