5th, 6th, 7th, 8th Grades  Project 1 week

"Storm Chasers: Forecasting Futures!"

Whitney M
ESS.7.1.3
ESS.7.1.4
ESS.7.2.3
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in understanding and applying meteorological concepts to create actionable community safety plans for severe weather events. Through hands-on activities, collaboration with community partners, and real-world simulations, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while gaining insights into the role of meteorologists in forecasting and communicating weather information. This project aims to foster self-directed learning and an academic mindset, empowering students to contribute meaningfully to community preparedness and safety.

Learning goals

Students will develop the ability to analyze and interpret weather data, understanding the relationship between air masses, pressure systems, and weather conditions. They will learn to use models and real-time data to predict weather, enhancing their skills in data collection and analysis. Through collaboration with community partners, students will gain insights into the impacts of severe weather and learn to create effective community safety plans. Additionally, students will build critical thinking and problem-solving skills by evaluating the socio-emotional aspects of meteorology and engaging in reflective practices.
Standards
  • [North Carolina] ESS.7.1.3 - Analyze and interpret data to explain the relationship between the movement of air masses, high and low pressure systems, frontal boundaries and weather conditions that may result.
  • [North Carolina] ESS.7.1.4 - Use models to predict weather conditions based on observations (including clouds, air masses, fronts), measurements (wind speed and direction, air temperature, humidity and air pressure), weather maps, satellites and radar.
  • [North Carolina] ESS.7.2.3 - Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain the impacts on humans and mitigation strategies of potentially hazardous environmental factors (including air quality index, UV index, Heat Index, Wildfires) and storms (hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, floods).
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Throughout the project, students will create digital weather reports using real-time data to predict daily weather conditions and their impact on community activities. By the end of the week, students will develop comprehensive community safety plans for severe weather events, which they will present to local emergency management officials. Additionally, students will build and utilize simple meteorological tools like barometers and anemometers to gather and analyze weather data, culminating in a digital weather journal that documents their observations and reflections.

Launch

To kick off the learning experience, organize a 'Weather Impact Workshop' where students participate in role-playing scenarios to explore the effects of various weather conditions on community safety. Invite emergency management professionals to facilitate the session, which includes a mock emergency drill to simulate real-world responses to severe weather events. This immersive activity will set the stage for students to understand the critical role of meteorology in community planning and safety.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Weather Awareness Day' event, showcasing their learning through interactive presentations and skits that demonstrate the impact of weather on daily life. The event will include displays of their weather prediction models and community safety plans, allowing attendees to engage with the students' work firsthand. Local emergency services will participate, providing real-world context and insights into the importance of meteorology in community safety. Students will also conduct live demonstrations of their weather forecasting skills, using data interpretation to inform the audience about upcoming weather conditions.