Title:  And Now.....The Weather  (An overview)

Grade Level:   8

Subjects:

Synopsis:

This unit is designed to integrate math, science, and language arts in the study of the measurement of weather.  Students will create and use simple weather instruments and record information in data tables.  Technology used will include a calculator, a word processor, a spreadsheet, Power Point, cable TV and the Internet.
 

Introduction:

A 17 slide Power Point slide presentation titled Weather Intro has been created as an introduction to the concepts covered in the science part of this unit.  We are making the presentation available for download so you may show it to your class at your convenience.  Click on the link to start the download process (1955 kb).

Learner Outcomes:

(Science) The student will assemble a device for determining wind direction.
(Science) The student will use the wind vane that has been made for making a series of weather observations.
(Science) The student will assemble a device for determining the current air pressure.
(Science) The student will use the barometer that has been made for making a series of weather observations.
(Science) The student will assemble a device for determining the relative humidity.
(Science) The student will use the psychrometer that has been made for making a series of weather observations.
(Language Arts) The student will use his/her listening skills as the visiting local TV weather person explains how he/she prepares a weather report and tells how to present a weather report on the air.
(Language Arts) The student will conduct an Internet search on various aspects of the weather and search for significant events occurring on or around his/her birthday.
(Language Arts) The student will utilize the weather data gathered in science and averaged in math and use his/her speaking skills to present a Power Point presentation in a TV weather report format.
(Mathematics)  The student will be able to obtain information from a line graph.
(Mathematics)  The student will be able to use a calculator in the traditional manner to calculate the mean, median, mode, and range of data obtained in science class and from the Internet.
(Mathematics)  The student will be able to calculate the mean and median of these sets of data using the statistics functions of a graphing calculator.
(Mathematics)  The student will be able to determine which measure of central tendency best represents the data.
(Mathematics)  Given a Celsius temperature, the student will mentally estimate the equivalent Fahrenheit temperature and vice versa.
(Mathematics)  The student will enter a program into a graphing calculator (TI-83 keystrokes will be given) that will convert temperature in one system to temperature in the other system.
 

Other Activities:

    This unit involves the construction and use of weather devices for measuring wind direction, air pressure, and humidity.  There are other devices that could be made by the students and used to measure weather conditions.  Follow these links for directions on how to make these other weather instruments:

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:

Eighth grade Science:  8.8  8.10  8.13  8.17  8.22  8.72  8.78  8.89  8.98
Language Arts:  8.2  8.3  8.58  8.59  8.63  8.64  8.82  8.147  8.150  8.151  8.154
Mathematics:   8.8  8.26  8.28  8.29  8.30  8.44  8.49  8.51

Links to other Lessons in this Unit
Unit Overview
Weather Vanes (Science)
Barometer (Science)
Psychrometer (Science)
Average Weather?? (Mathematics)
But What Should I Wear????  (Mathematics)
Birthday Weather and News (Language Arts)

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