Skip to Main Content

Weather, Climate, and Atmospheric Process

Unit Plan

Weather, Climate, and Atmospheric Process

Objectives

In this unit, students will learn that weather is a universal topic that impacts humankind on a daily basis. It dictates the life we lead, types of homes we have, and influences our daily and leisure routines. Students will:

  • observe, measure, and record the basic elements of weather.

  • identify basic cloud types.

  • identify, construct, and use the tools of a meteorologist (e.g., measure rainfall using rain gauge, measure air pressure using barometer, measure temperature using a thermometer).

  • evaluate the accuracy of student and professional weather forecasts.

  • describe how weather and forecasts affect people’s lives.

Essential Questions

  • How could you demonstrate that a force can change an object’s motion (speed or direction)?

  • What is the evidence that the Earth’s system changes?

  • What predictable patterns of change can be observed on and from Earth?

Related Unit and Lesson Plans

Related Materials & Resources

The possible inclusion of commercial websites below is not an implied endorsement of their products, which are not free, and are not required for this lesson plan.

Formative Assessment

  • View
    Multiple Choice Items:

    1. Which cloud is found at the highest altitude above Earth?

    A. cumulus

    B. stratus

    C. cirrus

    D. nimbus

    2. Which instrument measures temperature?

    A. barometer

    B. anemometer

    C. thermometer

    D. weather vane

    3. Which description best describes how air causes a cloud to form ?

    A. moist air sinks toward Earth leaving moisture behind in the sky

    B. dry air sinks toward Earth leaving moisture behind in the sky

    C. dry air rises and then cools off in the atmosphere

    D. moist, warm air rises and then cools off in the atmosphere

    4. What type of cloud can be used to predict a change in the weather

    A. cirrus

    B. stratus

    C. cumulus

    D. nimbus

    5. Which instrument measures pressure?

    A. barometer

    B. anemometer

    C. thermometer

    D. weather vane

    6. Which cloud is best described as thin and “wispy”?

    A. cumulus

    B. stratus

    C. cirrus

    D. cumulonimbus

     

    7. What are clouds classified by?

    A. size

    B. color

    C. altitude

    D. speed

    8. Which description best describes air?

    A. dark and solid

    B. colorless and solid

    C. dark and gaseous

    D. colorless and gaseous

    9. Which statement best describes the relationship between weather forecasting and technology?

    A. Weather forecasting has become less accurate with advancements in technology.

    B. Weather forecasting has become more accurate with advancements in technology.

    C. Weather forecasting will not become more accurate in the future.

    D. Weather forecasting and technology are not connected.

     

    Multiple Choice Answer Key:

    1. C

    2. C

    3. D

    4. A

    5. A

    6. C

    7. C

    8. D

    9. B

     

    Short-Answer Items:

    10. What weather components such as temperature, precipitation, wind, and clouds would you experience on a warm spring day? Why?

    11. What weather data would you need to collect to make an accurate forecast? List at least four.

    12. What are two weather clues that show a change in weather is coming within the next 24 hours?

    Short Answer Key:

    10. What weather components such as temperature, precipitation, wind, and clouds would you experience on a warm spring day? Why?

    Answers will vary depending on student’s preference or experience. Each response should be supported by a statement.

    • For example: Temperature would be 70 Fº because it is neither too hot nor too cold.

    • Lots of wind because I like to fly a kite.

    11. What weather data would you need to collect to make an accurate forecast? List at least four.

     

    air temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind, cloud cover, precipitation

    12. What are two weather clues that show a change in weather is coming within the next 24 hours?

    wind (especially from the south), cirrus clouds, falling barometer, high humidity

     

    Performance Assessment:

    Recording Weather Data

    Prior to Assessment: Students should be familiar with how weather is observed and recorded. They should be familiar with precipitation, barometric pressure, air temperature, and cloud cover.

    Time Needed: 45 minutes

    Procedure:
    1. Hand out Weather Assessment (see S-4-1_Weather Assessment in the Resources folder) and go over directions and graphing with students.
    2. After students have graphed the data, discuss how graphs may show patterns indicating that one weather factor is related to another.
    • For example, a cloudy day may be cooler in summer than a clear day because the sun’s rays are blocked.
    • Be careful not to make causal relationships, such as it may be cloudy because it was cool that day.
    1. After you have discussed possible reasons for weather relationships, allow students time to answer the questions.
    Performance Assessment Answer Key and Scoring Rubric:

    Answer Key:

    1. Thursday

    2. Wednesday

    3. Wednesday

    4. There would be a storm.

    5. Saturday

    Points

    Description

    3

    • Plotting is accurate for all three graphs.

    • Line connects plots accurately in all three graphs.

    • All five questions are answered correctly.

    2

    • Plotting has one or two errors.

      OR

    • One or two questions are answered incorrectly.

    1

    • Plotting has more than two errors.

      OR

    • Three or four questions are answered incorrectly.

    0

    • Student fails to grasp the objective of the assignment.
DRAFT 11/15/2010
Loading
Please wait...