DE Science Elementary
“5-Minute Prep” For
Weather and Climate
Weather
Weather Data
Weather Data – The Big Ideas
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A barometer measures air pressure.
A thermometer measures temperature.
An anemometer measures wind speed.
A rain gauge measures precipitation.
Satellites and radar imaging help meteorologists see
weather on a large scale.
A weather map can show the movement of weather
patterns over time and allow forecasting the weather.
Weather Data – Prior Knowledge
Students have probably learned about weather in their
early elementary years. They are probably familiar with
measuring temperature, but will not have much
background knowledge on barometers, anemometers,
and rain gauges. It would help students to view the
FUN-damental to review the basics about weather and
how its reported. It would also help if students:
– Have viewed weather reports in newspapers or
television.
– Read a thermometer.
Weather Data – Common Misconceptions
• Weather maps predict weather.
– Reality: Weather maps are a tool that meteorologists
use to display their predictions and forecasts.
Scientists like meteorologists use different types of data
to forecast the weather.
• Weather forecasting is a skill that can be learned
and mastered perfectly.
– Reality: Weather is constantly changing and there is a
high degree of uncertainty in weather data. Each
situation requires a different set of forecasting methods.
Weather Data – Using DE Science Content
When you close this presentation, you can review the
following recommended resources for Weather Data.
• Virtual Lab: What Shall We Do Tomorrow?
• Exploration: Weather Data
• Video: Meteorologists Use Scientific Instruments to
Measure and Predict Weather
• eBook: Now Here’s Your Local Weather
Use the PowerPoint version of this presentation for
hyperlinks to these resources or you can get to them
through the browser or search feature.
Weather Data – Instructional Ideas
• Students should use the Virtual Lab to create different
weather scenarios by changing the wind speed and
direction, temperature, cloud type, and barometric
pressure. They can record their results to see which
weather conditions make a desirable day.
• In the Exploration, students can match instruments with
what they measure, and learn more about each
instrument. In addition, students can match weather
conditions with a map of the United States, and learn
more about weather maps. After the exploration, show
students the weather map from the newspaper, so they
can see the weather around the country.
Weather Data – Instructional Ideas
• After students see the video clip about weather
instruments, ask students to generate a list of questions
they still have about scientific instruments that are used
to predict the weather.
• Students can read the eBook Now Here’s Your Local
Weather. Then, allow them to view a few examples of
the local weather forecast in your area. Students can
decide which meteorologist and forecasting style they
like best. Students could write persuasive letters to the
local news stations asking the meteorologists to visit
their school.
State Standards:
If you wish to review your state standards regarding
weather data, click here to get to the curriculum standards
search feature of DES.
http://discoveryeducation.com/forward/curriculum.cfm
You can click on any standard to see what resources are
available to teach it.
Additional Information:
For additional content, check the Extend section within the
concept.