MAJOR OBJECTIVES:

• To use instruments to record and predict the weather
• To graph and compare weekly, monthly, and seasonal weather observations

GRADE LEVEL: 4

MATERIALS CHECKLIST:

• One or multiple computers; printer
• Software: integrated software package (spreadsheet, database, word processor), graphing, teacher-prepared templates, desktop publishing (optional)
• Indoor/outdoor thermometers; barometer; hygrometer

TIME REQUIRED:

• 10 minutes per day throughout the year to record data
• 30 minutes per week to make and discuss graphs
• 1 class period per month to make and discuss monthly average and total graphs

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:

• Have the students keep daily records of temperature, air pressure, humidity, cloud types, cloud cover, wind, and precipitation, enter the data into the teacher-developed spreadsheet template, and make bar graphs weekly.

• At the end of each month, have the students transfer the averages and totals from the spreadsheet to a weather summary database, make graphs, and compare the weather across different months and seasons.

• Divide the students into six groups and assign each group a different project:

  (1) question-and-answer data file;

  (2) a flashcard set;

  (3) coloring book using the desktop publishing software;

  (4) crossword puzzle;

  (5) set of word search and spelling practice exercises; and

  (6) a survey of weather instruments students have at home.

• Use the student-created materials with the whole class. Have the students use the desktop publishing software to make greeting cards, banners, and signs for Groundhog Day.