Earth Science
Web Links
Worksheets

Select a Chapter

Earth Science Glencoe Online
Science HomeProduct InformationSite MapSearchContact Us
Internet Activities
Click the Techie Toolbox for tips and help to make the most of your time on the Web.
Chapter 15: Weather
Weather or Not

"It's raining cats and dogs!" "Red sky at night, sailor's delight." These sayings are about the weather. You may check out the weather forecast to decide if a concert will be rained out or if you need to wear a coat to the park. Knowing what the weather will be like is important. But, how do scientists predict or forecast the weather? They collect weather data every day all over the country and try to find a pattern in the data.

 
Recognize the Problem

How can you use weather data to forecast the weather?

 

Form a Hypothesis

Think about what the weather was like yesterday and what it is like today. Make a hypothesis about what weather will be like in your area for the next several days.

 

     Goals

  • Organize weather data available in newspapers, and on television.

  • Predict the weather in your area based on the data.

 

     Data Sources

 
Test Your Hypothesis

    Plan

  1. Make a data table like the one below in your Science Journal.

  2. Collect data in your area every day for at least two weeks. Your weather data should include each of the items listed in the table.

  3. You can post your weather data on the Glencoe Science Web site and collect data from other schools around the country.



4. Use the data to make your own weather maps. Print the map from the Glencoe site or post your data on a large map of the United States, using an overlap of tissue paper or plastic.

    Do

  1. Make sure your teacher approves your plan and your data table before you proceed.

  2. Carry out the experiment as planned.

  1. While doing the experiment, record your observations and complete the data tables in your Science Journal.

Analyze Your Data

  1. How close did your predictions come to actual weather? Was your hypothesis supported?

 

  1. Were your forecasts for the first few days more accurate than the later days' forecasts? Explain.
Draw Comclusions
  1. How could you make your predictions more accurate?

  2. Would data from other areas help? Explain your answer.

 

Post Your Data
 
Date
Location
Temperature
Barometric Pressure
Wind Speed
Wind Direction
Type of Precipitation
Amount of Precipitation
Cloud Cover
Date
Location
Temperature
Barometric Pressure
Wind Speed
Wind Direction
Type of Precipitation
Amount of Precipitation
Cloud Cover
Date
Location
Temperature
Barometric Pressure
Wind Speed
Wind Direction
Type of Precipitation
Amount of Precipitation
Cloud Cover
Date
Location
Temperature
Barometric Pressure
Wind Speed
Wind Direction
Type of Precipitation
Amount of Precipitation
Cloud Cover
Date
Location
Temperature
Barometric Pressure
Wind Speed
Wind Direction
Type of Precipitation
Amount of Precipitation
Cloud Cover
* First Name:
* City:
* State:
* School:
 

* Required

 
 
McGraw-Hill / Glencoe
The McGraw-Hill Companies
Earth Science