Many ways to cover topic

The author suggests that students collect weather data and use a computer database as a means to identify patterns. He then provides a number of additional lesson suggestions. My students en... See More

The author suggests that students collect weather data and use a computer database as a means to identify patterns. He then provides a number of additional lesson suggestions. My students enjoyed collecting and examining weather data.

Looking for Trends Helps Making Predictions

In an effort to make weather measurements more meaningful, students not only collect data on a daily basis but also enter it into a data base. They learn to measure temperature, relative hu... See More

In an effort to make weather measurements more meaningful, students not only collect data on a daily basis but also enter it into a data base. They learn to measure temperature, relative humidity, precipitation amounts, wind direction, wind speed, cloud cover, cloud type and air pressure. Suggestions for creating a weather collection station and devices needed are included in this article. Students look for trends in their data and eventually use this knowledge to make weather predictions based from their learning. Key questions are provided for understanding weather patterns as well as a weather prediction checklist that can eventually be used to provide daily information for the whole school. Extension activities are also provided in this article. Learning how to read different scientific devices is also a plus.