Lesson Plan- Weather Tracking

Component    

                                                                                                                                                             The student will analyze real-world date to recognize patterns and relationships of measurements using tables, charts and graphs, including calculators and computers.

Objectives  

  1. The student will visit The Globe Program, click on Data Entry, then click on Cloud Observations to determine the different types of clouds. See Cloud Chart below.
  2. Visit this site to learn about what different clouds look like Clouds
  3. With class, go outside daily for one week to observe and record cloud formations
  4. Using data from the Cloud Chart, students will use a chart/graph application to create a pie, bar or other type of graph to reflect data. Visit this site to learn how to create graphs: Graphing
  5. Teacher can activities from the following web site to enhance the lesson Observing Clouds   
  6. Vocabulary: cirrus, cirrocumulus, cirrostratus, altostratus, altocumulus, nimbostratus, stratus, cumulonimbus 

CLOUD CHART

Cloud Chart Day 1 Day 
2		 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7
High:              
Cirrus               
Cirrocumulus              
Cirrostratus               
Middle:               
Altostratus               
Altocumulus              
Low :               
Cumulus               
Nimbostratus              
Stratus               
Stratocumulus               
Cumulonimbus              
Total Checks              
Have students check clouds seen on each day.

Example of Student-Crated Cloud Chart Using Spreadsheet/Table Application

Competency

The students will track weather patterns, such as daily cloud formations, and create charts and graphs to reflect data.

Homework

Go outside with parents and determine the types of clouds in the sky at that time using Cloud Chart.

Field Trip

Go on a virtual field trip to learn how Earth looks from space; click on Astronaut Photography, then Deltas at NASA Earth Observatory

Resource

Wilson. F. The Weather Pop-Up Book. Simon and Shuster. New York. 1987.