The purpose of this project is to engage high school students in understanding the complexities of weather and climate through hands-on, real-world experiences. Students will explore meteorological tools, analyze weather maps, and predict weather patterns, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By simulating roles such as meteorologists and community leaders, students will gain insights into the societal impacts of weather events and the importance of accurate forecasting in disaster preparedness and response.
Learning goals
Students will develop the ability to interpret and create weather maps, focusing on wind patterns, symbols, and weather-influencing factors. They will analyze historical weather data to identify patterns and predict future events, considering the impact of global climate change. Through hands-on activities and simulations, students will deepen their understanding of meteorological tools and their application in predicting weather patterns and preparing for natural disasters.
Standards
ESS.2.D - Weather and Climate
ESS.3.D - Global Climate Change
Products
Students will create a comprehensive weather forecast video using weather maps and diagrams to demonstrate their understanding of meteorological tools and predictions for a specific region. They will also develop a project display that includes a detailed weather map, annotated diagrams, and a written analysis of how these elements help predict natural disasters and inform community responses. Additionally, students will participate in a 'Meteorologist for a Day' event, presenting their forecasts and engaging in a Q&A session with an audience of teachers, classmates, and parents.
Launch
Begin the project with a dynamic 'Weather Wonders Workshop,' where students rotate through interactive stations to create and test DIY weather tools like barometers and anemometers. Engage students in hands-on activities that simulate weather phenomena, such as creating mini tornadoes or rain clouds in a jar. This immersive experience will spark curiosity and set the stage for exploring the complexities of weather systems and their impact on communities.
Exhibition
Organize a 'Meteorologist for a Day' event where students present their weather forecast videos to an audience of teachers, classmates, and parents. During the event, students will showcase their project displays, including comprehensive weather maps and annotated diagrams, and engage in a Q&A session to discuss their predictions and the meteorological tools they utilized. This exhibition provides an opportunity for students to articulate their understanding of weather patterns and their societal impacts, fostering a deeper connection between their learning and real-world applications.
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Activities
Activity 1: Kick off the project with a 'Weather Wonders Workshop.' Students will rotate through interactive stations to create and test DIY weather tools like barometers and anemometers, and participate in hands-on activities to understand weather phenomena.
Activity 2: Facilitate a 'Storm Chaser Simulation' where students work in teams to analyze real-time weather data and maps to predict a storm's path, fostering collaboration and critical thinking.
Activity 3: Students will learn to interpret and create weather maps, focusing on understanding wind patterns, symbols, and the factors that influence weather changes. They will create initial drafts of weather maps for their designated regions.
Activity 4: Guide students in researching and analyzing historical weather data to identify patterns and make predictions about future weather events, emphasizing the impact of global climate change.
Activity 5: Conduct a peer review session where students exchange their weather map drafts and provide constructive feedback using a structured rubric, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and use of meteorological tools.
Deliverables
1. Deliverable 1: DIY weather tools created by students at the 'Weather Wonders Workshop.'
2. Deliverable 2: Initial drafts of weather maps and diagrams created by students, including feedback from the peer review session.
Preparation
1. Prep Task 1: Set up interactive stations with materials for DIY weather tools, such as barometer and anemometer kits, and resources for creating mini tornadoes or rain clouds in a jar.
2. Prep Task 2: Gather real-time weather data and maps for the 'Storm Chaser Simulation' and prepare scenarios for students to analyze.
3. Prep Task 3: Provide resources and templates for interpreting and creating weather maps, including symbols and wind patterns.
4. Prep Task 4: Compile historical weather data and resources on global climate change for student research activities.
5. Prep Task 5: Develop a structured rubric for the peer review session to guide students in providing constructive feedback.
