CONTENT OBJECTIVE: 4K3.00 To understand how weather predictions are made
INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: The learner will:
3.01 define a prediction as it relates to weather.
3.02 list the responsibilities of a meteorologist.
3.03 recognize weather instruments and know their functions.
OUTLINE OF CONTENT:
I. Weather prediction
II. Responsibilities of meteorologists
III. Weather instruments
TN COMPONENT OF SCIENCE: Habits of Mind
TN GOAL:
To enable students to demonstrate ways of thinking and acting inherent on the practice of science; and to exhibit an awareness of the historical and cultural contributions to the enterprise of science.
TN THEME:
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE - The knowledge and processes of science have evolved over time as an approximation of truth within cultural contexts.
TN STANDARD(S): The learner will understand that:
3.1e There are different traditions in science concerning the subject and method of investigation; however, they all have in common certain basic beliefs about the value of evidence, logic, and argument.
BENCHMARK: Scientific investigations have in common the need for reliable data, logical thinking, and the communication of results.
3.1f Progress in science depends heavily on societal events, and the course of history often depends on scientific and technological developments.
BENCHMARK: Scientific advances are driven by societal needs and may directly influence the course of history.
CLASSROOM CONNECTORS
TIME REQUIRED:
45 minutes
MATERIALS:
Cardboard, glue, pen covers, (see active participation), balloons, helium, postcards
SET:
Raise you hand if you can tell me the name of a meteorologist you see on television. (response) What does he do? (Predicts the weather) Did you see one on television last night? (response) Was he right about today's weather? (response) We will talk today about people who predict the weather and some of the instruments they use for their predictions.
INSTRUCTION:
When a weatherman or meteorologist tells us what
the weather will be in the future, he is making a prediction or
a forecast. How does the weatherman know what to say? Forecasts
are based on data collected by weather balloons, satellites and
ground stations and displayed on weather maps. The meteorologist
is a person who studies and forecasts weather. He is responsible
for studying weather instruments so that he can collect data and
make knowledgeable predictions of what the weather will be like.
Some of the instruments used for these predictions are a THERMOMETER
which measures temperature, THERMOGRAPH which measures and records
temperatures, the HYGROMETER which measures humidity, the ANEMOMETER
which measures wind speed, the BAROMETER which measures air pressure,
and the BAROGRAPH which measures and records air pressure. (Try
to show these instruments if you have access to them. Tell how
they work.)
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION: (The following activities are suggested:
1. Make a weather vane. Cut out two cardboard arrows. Make them the same size. Put glue on the heads and tails of the arrows. Glue the two arrows together. Clip a ballpoint pen cover in the middle between the two arrows. Place the pen cover on a pencil point. Move the cover back and forth until the arrow balances.
Use your weather vane to find wind direction. Use the wind chart to find wind speed. Compare your observations with the television and newspaper weather reports.
2. Send up helium balloons with messages on post cards. Ask that the finder return the card through the mail. Plot wind direction by postmarks.
3. Contact the Weather Bureau Speaker Services for a guest presentation on meteorology.)
CLOSURE:
What is the person called who studies the weather? (Meteorologist) What is his information about future weather called? (Prediction) What are some things he uses for his predictions? (Satellites, weather maps, weather instruments)
ENRICHMENT:
1. (Have children research scientists that have contributed to the science of predicting weather.) (Some are Carl-Gustaf Rossby, Otto Von Gueriche.) Another alternative would be to have children research the development of some of the instruments mentioned in the lesson as well as the newly developed Doppler radar.
2. Silver Burdett Science, as well as other elementary science books, describe simple ways to construct a rain gauge, barometer wind socks, and anemometer.
3. Have children research how people know a change of weather was about to occur before the days of scientific weather forecasting. (wind speed)
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time this file has been accessed since 07/01/97.
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