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Teacher Information
Texas Science
Objectives
Intrapersonal Students will search for, gather, and analyze information from the Internet, newspaper, radio, and television on weather. They will make weather
forecasts based on their data. They will present their results to the class.
Summary
Internet Students will gather data from Internet sites that can be accessed through the Web links page. Students
can post their data on the site and get data from other schools around the country. Just click on your region of the country on the United States map. This will open a database
of weather data for that region. The site will provide links to weather sites where data are available. Weather and prediction data tables are also provided on the site. Students
can print out the tables or use them as a model and make weather maps using the map on the site.
Non-Internet Sources If you do not have access to the Internet, use weather data available from newspapers, radio, and television. Use a map of the United States
with an overlay to post data. Record data in a table such as the one on page 523.
Time Required
One month (two weeks of data collection and two weeks of weather forecasts) are required.
Preparation
Internet Access the Texas Science page to run through the steps the students will follow.
Non-Internet Sources Obtain a large United States map and a thin paper or clear plastic overlay. Have examples of weather data from the local newspaper.
Teaching Strategies
- To make their forecasts, students will use the data they collected. Record the actual weather each day to determine the accuracy of the students' forecasts.
- Show students examples of weather maps from the Internet, newspapers, and other sources to help them prepare their own maps.
- If the school does not have Internet access, many libraries provide it. There may be a fee for logging onto the Internet.
- Some students may have Internet access at home. These students could work in pairs with students who do not have access.
- Post data on a large United States map with a thin paper or plastic overlay.
- Weather Station Access the weather station direction on the website or have students research how to build their own weather stations.
Go Further
Historical weather data is available from the National Weather Service or from local meteorologists at television stations or universities. Newspapers also publish weather
records. Historical weather data can help to establish trends that will increase the accuracy of weather forecasts.
Assessment
To access the results of the project, use the
Performance Task Assessment List for Poster in PASC,
p. 73.
References
Glencoe Science Interactions Course 4, Design a School Weather Station, page 108.
Williams, Jack. The USA Today Weather Book. New York: Vantage Books, 1992.
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