Learning Goals
Students will be able to model the movement and state changes of water that form clouds, rain, snow, and hail as a cycle driven by solar energy and gravity.
Students will be able to collect and analyze weather data about temperature, pressure, wind, humidity, precipitation, and air masses to identify evidence of changing weather conditions and storm movement.
Students will be able to explain how hail can form and fall on a warm day by connecting atmospheric temperature layers, updrafts, particle motion, and changes of state.
Students will be able to develop and use models of atmospheric and oceanic circulation to explain how unequal heating and Earth’s rotation influence storm paths and contrasting South American climates.
Students will be able to revise scientific models and conclusions using investigation results, anomalous evidence, peer critique, and expert feedback to improve accuracy and clarity.
Students will be able to communicate an evidence-based explanation of why heavy hail, rain, or snow falls at some times and not others by using data, models, and responsive answers to audience questions.
Products
Weather Investigation Notebook and Progress Tracker
Each student maintains a daily investigation record containing questions, method and data notes, particle and circulation diagrams, individual analyses, model revisions, and evidence-based responses to the essential question. The notebook concludes with an individual museum explanation and reflection on feedback, collaboration, limitations, and next steps.
Interactive Three-Dimensional Weather-System and Climate Display
Teams build and revise an interactive display tracing water cycling, cloud and hail formation, precipitation, and a storm path across the country, then connect circulation patterns to contrasting South American climates. At Sky Science Museum Night, team members use shared data and individual findings to explain the model, address limitations and conflicting evidence, and answer questions from families, staff, and guest scientists.
No rubric has been generated yet.