Project URL: http://teachersnetwork.org/teachnet-lab/is24/rcottrell/clouds/clouds.htm

Purpose of the  Project:

This is a two week CAP (Contract Activity Package) about Clouds.  The CAP is a Dunn & Dunn idea about how to use various modalities in reaching students.

There are four learning objectives.  Each objective has a choice of four different activities that are paired according to modality (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or tactile).  In its ideal form, only 1 pair of activities is required;  however I chose to have my students complete two activities per objective (I felt it would help to rely on more than one learning modality).

Standards Addressed by This Unit:

Standards addressed include the following:

1)  analysis, inquiry and design;
2)  demonstrate an understanding of Earth and Earth systems;
3)  use technology and tools to observe and measure;
4)  record and store data using a variety of formats;
5)  collect and analyze data; and
6)  acquire information from multiple sources

Software Materials Used:

Sunburst All Together Weather
Internet connection

Students:

This CAP was designed for a regular mainstream class of below-average to average students in the 8th grade.

Overall:

The program is innovative in its various use of different learning styles.  It has contributed heavily to the students' understanding of the material as many students find the topic of weather rather dull.  It is an excellent way of getting the students involved in learning using the method that they learn with the best.

Tips:

You may need to modify some of the materials based on the textbooks available to you.  Otherwise, the CAP should perform as well for you as it did for my class.  Good luck!

Raymond S. Cottrell teaches Earth Science at I.S. 24, Myra S. Barnes in Staten Island, NY.

E-mail: RCottrell@sir-ray.com

Estimated class periods to complete: 8

Subject: Science

Beginning Grade Level: 8

Ending Grade Level: 12