Science Three: Weather Fun

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

1. Observe and record weather conditions.
2. Investigate the accuracy of weather predictions.
3. Observe cloud formations and note the formations that usually precede certain 
types of weather.

Activity

As a follow-up to the "Weather" activities on Surf into Science Grade 3,
have children keep a daily weather chart which notes the weather conditions, 
temperature and cloud formation. Individual recording charts (see example) 
could be taped on each student desk for this purpose.


    Example :

                    Student Name :             Kyle Smith

Date:                          Weather Conditions                      Temperature                              Cloud Type 

Oct 3,1998                 Sunny                                          20 C / 71 F                              Fluffy (cumulous) 
Oct 4, 1998                Foggy                                          15 C / 61 F                              Low thick fog 
Oct 5, 1998                Windy + Sunny                                  12 C / 54 F                              High thin (cirrus)
Oct 6, 1998 ..................

Etc....


Students should be reminded to record information for Saturday and Sunday at home and 
to add this information to their desk weather chart on Monday.

Have students watch the weather report on television each night or clip the detailed 
forecast from the local newspaper. The class and teacher can use this collected data 
to determine the accuracy of weather predictions. A class chart similar to the one 
shown might be created.

For some extra fun why not take the students outside on a day when the sky is filled 
with a large number of cumulus clouds? Have them lie on the ground and become cloud 
observers, noting type of clouds and even objects they "imagine" in the clouds.

Meanwhile back in the classroom: Remember to read The Cloud Book by Tomie de Paola.

Assessment

At the end of the weather charting activity, collect and review the individual 
recording charts.

Have students write a letter to you what they have learned about weather and 
prediction of weather conditions

Have the students work in groups of two and create riddle books about the kinds 
of clouds they have become familiar with. Observe and note students' abilities 
to determine the kinds of clouds associated with various weather conditions.