Weather
Prediction
Project URL: http://lakemoreschool.org/weather/intro/
How
it works:
Weather Prediction
is an online web course designed for third
graders. This program takes a basic approach to the subject and teaches
students to accurately forecast the weather after first understanding
important concepts. Students work through a
series of four lessons. Lesson One teaches the symbols used on a weather
map. Students are able to click on each symbol to find more
information. Lesson Two teaches students about warm, cold, and stationary
fronts. It is important to understand how these fronts affect our
weather. Lesson Three discusses barometric pressure, which also has an important impact on
weather, and how to read a
barometer. Lastly, students practice predicting the weather in Lesson
Four.
Each lesson has a practice section and a quiz section. Both give
immediate feedback to prepare students for a final written test in
class. After completing this web-based unit, students can present a weather
forecast in front of the class, just like the weather people on
television, by using a data projector and a weather map. This turns the lessons into practical experience.
Standards addressed:
Students will be able to read a weather map; use weather maps to
forecast the weather; explain the relationship between warm, cold, and
stationary fronts; explain the characteristics of high and low
pressure; and read a barometer.
Materials used:
Students will need a computer with an Internet connection at home.
The faster the Internet connection, the better. For students
without an Internet connection, teachers can download all of the site
and copy onto a CD-R. If you use the site at school, you can
download the site to your server for faster access.
The students:
This project is intended for third grade students or children ages
eight to ten. The students must be able to use a web browser. Students
also need to be able to apply basic weather concepts to the
online lessons.
Overall value:
Weather Prediction
allows students to work at their own rate.
Students can return to lessons they have questions about. The practice
and quizzes give immediate feedback to help students learn. Students
will enjoy learning about the weather in this interactive way.
Students can make daily use of these lessons when they decide what to
wear each morning.
Tips:
Before you implement, take the time to go through the entire
course. Learn the ins and outs of how the site is designed. Students
will have questions on how to close the popup windows and navigate.
There are directions, but most students skip them. Also make
sure you know the content in case students need more clarification.
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About the teacher:
Robert Lane is a third grade teacher at Lakemore Elementary School
in Springfield Township, Ohio. Mr. Lane is also the building technology
representative. He is a technology leader and teaches other staff
technology
integration methods through staff development. Through the sharing
of ideas do we best serve our students.
E-mail:
sp_lane@springfieldspartans.org
Subject
Areas:
Science
Technology
Grade
Levels:
3-5
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