Grade 4 Science Unit 6


Grade 4 Science Unit 6
Weather or Not, Here it Comes! Essential Question: How can we analyze the weather patterns to predict future forecasts?

Enduring Understandings: Weather data helps predict future forecasts. Forecasting the weather helps in daily and long-range planning.	Student Resources
Big Idea: We can use weather patterns to predict future forecasts. Describe different seasonal weather conditions by using data collected from weather instruments, models, or drawings. (2.E.2.a)	The National Weather Service Forecast Office (revised link) Once at the site, click on Baltimore to get data about the city and a close-up map of the region. Go back to the original map and click on Cumberland for information about a mountainous region. At the main site, manipulate the map using the arrow keys to locate Ocean City. Use this Pixie to compare and contrast these 3 locations in Maryland. Weekly Weather Maps from NCOAA (or use this link to access the National Forcast Map directly). In groups, review a weather map and discuss and share the weather forecast based on the symbols shown on the map (see below link "Why Are Weather Symbols Used?). Create a reader's theater or mini-broadcast show (by writing a script) based on the weather forecast map. Learn how to give a weather report here. Why Are Weather Symbols Used? Real World Reading: Short reading explaining weather symbols and their usage. Focus Question: How do scientists use symbols to communicate their findings and predictions. Careers in Science: Weather Kids Students will read about what a meteorologist does for a living. Weather Watch Scholastic website with information and activities related to weather. Observe - Track Clouds in the Sky! Gather Data - Experiment with Weather Tools! Invesitgate - Explore Climate Conditions. Analyze - Forecast Weather!! Using a Thermometer Students will view a Cyberchase video on how to accurately measure temperature. Updated Links: NOAA Education Resources NOAA Weather Resources NWS Owlie's Page Students will use this resource for readings, photos and research related to severe weather patterns. Hurricane Hunters Students will read to learn about the Hurricane Hunters' mission, planes, people, and history. A First Look: Weather This 17 min. video describes the effects of heat from the sun on weather, the effects of water and air on weather, and how weather changes with the seasons. A closer look in the video is on major aspects of weather: temperature, precipitation, and wind. If the link does not work, login to Discovery Education first and then select the link. Scholastic Student Activities on Weather!
Big Idea: We can use weather patterns to predict future forecasts. (Daily Temperatures) Compare average daily temperatures during different seasons by collecting and analyzing data. (2.E.2.b)	The National Weather Service Forecast Office (revised link) Once at the site, click on Baltimore to get data about the city and a close-up map of the region. Go back to the original map and click on Cumberland for information about a mountainous region. At the main site, manipulate the map using the arrow keys to locate Ocean City. Using a Thinking Map or Kidspiration, compare the current conditions of these different cities. Or use this Pixie to compare and contrast these 3 locations in Maryland! World Weather Compare: Comparing Average Precipitation/Temperature Students will compare the daily temperature and precipitation of two to three different areas. Comparing Average Temperatures Once at the site, click on "Monthly Averages". Analyze the graphs. Click on Monthly Averages drop box and choose "compare locations". Enerter zip code to compare McLean, VA. Click on "Average High Temperature". --See if these sites work for comparing temperatures: weather maps (change the layers, bottom left), World Climate Temperatures, and Compare 2 Cities forecast.
Big Idea: We can use weather patterns to predict future forecasts. (Wind Speed) Determine wind speed and direction by building and testing a weather vane. (2.E.2.c)	Wind Read about wind basics including the daily wind cycle, electricity generation from the wind, wind turbines, and the history of wind power. Renewable Energy - Wind Power Complete these activites based on the above article. 5 Day View of Wind Stream: Students will follow the path of the wind over a 5 day period generated by the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC) on January 17, 2001. The colors on this map indicate the speed of the wind, which is measured in knots. One knot equals 1.1 mph. The red flags indicate wind direction. Using Instruments to to Predict the Weather (01:02) Students will learn how meteorologists use anemometers and wind vanes to measure wind speeds and wind direction. This video segment demonstrates how to make a wind vane. If the link does not work, login to Discovery Education first and then select the link.
Big Idea: We can use weather patterns to predict future forecasts. (Precipitation) Compare average daily precipitation of two different cities during different seasons by creating a Thinking Map. (2.E.2.d)	NWS Website (updated link, specifically for precipitation) National Weather Service Data - Advanced Hydrolic Prediction Service - Precipitation Map Use this Thinking Map to compare average daily precipitation of two different cities during different seasons. A Dire Shortage of Water Read World Reading: Parts of the southwestern United States are in the middle of the worst drought in at least 500 years. Focus Question: What are the long term effects of a drought on a region? Real World Reading: In order solve the problem of CA droughts, scientists are creating their own clouds to cause precipitation!!! A 2016 article about Cloud Seeding. Log into NewsELA to access this article. DE Board - Droughts Learn more about droughts in the US, why they happen, and other long term effects of droughts. Watch each video and respond to each question(s) in Office 365/OneDrive or Google Drive. If the link does not work, login to Discovery Education first and then select the link. Higher Temperatures to Come? Scientists have been collected data for decades! See what trends they are predicting for the future. Log into NewsELA to access this article. What Will The Weather Be? *Engage* Read the book "Come On, Rain!" by Karen Hesse, then complete this activity to explore precipitation Explain Respond to the story "What Will the Weather Be?' by completing the reflection activity. Share with your teacher as directed by using OneDrive/Office 365 or Google Drive. Word Google Doc

Required Lab: Blown Away! Student Outcome: Conduct an investigation about wind speed and direction in order to compare average daily wind speeds and directions during different seasonal data. Predict severe storms for next year by analyzing the trends, the wind speeds, and the wind directions from collected data.	Build an Anemometer to Measure Wind Speed ENGAGE Students will follow directions to build an Anemometer to measure wind speed. Using the tool, students will collect, record, compare, and analyze the data. Average Wind Speed Over Time (Data Chart) EXTEND Compare average wind speeds and directions for Portland, Oregon at different times of the year using a data chart. National Wind Speed Map Real-time Wind and Weather Charts for Maryland A great place to get real-time wind and weather charts for Maryland. Four Choice Processing Reflection EVALUATE Wind Speeds - Compare the wind speed and direction in Portland to the wind speed and direction currently at BWI Airport.

Project: Emergency Preparedness Brochure Driving Question: How can analyzing weather data help in daily and long-range planning? Analyzing weather data to help in daily and long-range planning by creating a severe weather brochure. *For classes attending Arlington Echo during the 3rd quarter, do the project "Concerning Climate" instead of the Emergency Preparedness Brochure.***	For Research - Beginning of Project Weather Records - Search by date, type or state OR use this site for Storm Events - search by state, county, etc. NOAA provides Weather Safety Information. Students will for information about major a major weather event. Large Scale Disasters in Each State Students will read about different major weather events or large-scale disasters in that area. Student will read to find out what types of emergencies you may be at risk for, and get information on helpful resources closer to home. Disaster Master Help the Heroes! Will you know what to do? Make the right decisions of what to do in a disaster and earn points to unlock new levels. But watch out! The wrong choice could end the game. Zunal Weather WebQuest (Can be Used for your research for brochure) Weather is a constant in our daily lives. Sometimes severe weather can affect our daily lives as well. Students, as a meteorologist will choose a storm to research. Students will research past storms related to the storm you are researching, the effects it has on the area, and how we as citizens can prepare for these storms. During Project FEMA Students will read about a major weather event and collect facts, data, and images related to this weather event. Use a Thinking Map to organize your facts. Focus: Review research data to determine the likelihood of this type of weather event occuring in your area. Brochure Resources Printing Press - Brochure - from ReadWriteThink Brochure Template- PowerPoint Brochure Template- Google Slides

Teacher Resources
Curriculum Links: Readings, SMART board Lessons and Websites	Resources
Big Idea: We can use weather patterns to predict future forecasts.	World Weather Compare: Comparing Average Precipitation/Temperature Students will compare the daily temperature and precipitation of two to three different areas. The National Weather Service Forecast Office (revised link) Once at the site, click on Baltimore to get data about the city and a close-up map of the region. Go back to the original map and click on Cumberland for information about a mountainous region. At the main site, manipulate the map using the arrow keys to locate Ocean City. Using a Thinking Map or Kidspiration, compare the current conditions of these different cities. Or use this Pixie to compare and contrast these 3 locations in Maryland! Careers in Science Weather Kids -Students will read about what a meteorologist does for a living. Why Are Weather Symbols Used? Read World Reading: Short reading explaining weather symbols and their usage. Focus Question: How do scientists use symbols to communicate their findings and predictions. Using Instruments to to Predict the Weather (01:02) Meteorologists use anemometers and wind vanes to measure wind speeds and wind direction. This video segment demonstrates how to make a wind vane. If the link does not work, login to Discovery Education first and then select the link. Using Instruments to Predict the Weather Weather forecasting helps us to know what to expect and help to keep us safe. Meteorologists use a variety of instruments to forecast the weather. If the link does not work, login to Discovery Education first and then select the link. Wind Read about wind basics including the daily wind cycle, electricity generation from the wind, wind turbines, and the history of wind power. A Dire Shortage of Water Read World Reading: Parts of the southwestern United States are in the middle of the worst drought in at least 500 years. Focus Question: What are the long term effects of a drought on a region? Updated Links: NOAA Education Resources NOAA Weather Resources NWS Owlie's Page Students will use this resource for readings, photos and research related to severe weather patterns. Mini-Project: Engage students in giving a weather forecast - lesson and rubric found here
Required Lab: Blown Away! Student Outcome: Conduct an investigation about wind speed and direction in order to compare average daily wind speeds and directions during different seasonal data.	Real-time Wind and Weather Charts for Maryland A great place to get real-time wind and weather charts for Maryland. Blown Away! Use this Smartboard presentation to guide the Lab with students.
Project: Emergency Preparedness Brochure Driving Question: How can analyzing weather data help in daily and long-range planning?	Weather Records - Search by date, type or state OR use this site for Storm Events - search by state, county, etc. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - weather systems and patterns. NOAA provides Weather Safety Information. Students will for information about major a major weather event. FEMA Interactive Activities and Games FEMA's Preparedness Brochure Emergency Preparedness Brochure Use this Smartboard presentation to introduce and guide students through this project!

Teacher Notes
Standards	Resources
Weather Patterns Content Standard: Describe different seasonal weather conditions by using data collected from weather instruments, models or drawings. (2.E.2.a) Technology Standard: 6.0 Students will use technology and develop strategies to solve problems and make informed decisions.	Weather Watch Using a Thermometer NOAA Interactive Weather Activities The National Weather Service Forecast Office Teacher Note: Once at the site, click on Baltimore to get data about the city and a close-up map of the region. Real World Reading: Why Are Weather Symbols Used? Short reading explaining weather symbols and their usage Careers in Science: Research what a meteorologist does for a living. Weather Kids
Daily Temperatures Content Standard: Compare average daily temperatures during different seasons by collecting and analyzing data.(2.E.2.b) Technology Standard: 5.0 Use technology to locate, evaluate, gather and organize information and data.	Comparing Average Temperatures USA today weather data Cool Weather Careers (PowerPoint) Resources for weather related careers in slide show format Using Instruments to to Predict the Weather Please note that the video must be downloaded prior to viewing as per AACPS guidelines
Wind Speed Content Standard: Determine wind speed and direction by building and testing a weather vane.(2.E.2.c.) Technology Standard: 5.0 Use technology to locate, evaluate, gather and organize information and data	Real World Reading: Wind Read about wind basics including the daily wind cycle, electricity generation from the wind, wind turbines, and the history of wind power. 5 Day View of Wind Stream: Follow the path of the wind over a 5 day period. Using instruments to predict the weather Weather forecasting helps us to know what to expect and help to keep us safe. Meteorologists use a variety of instruments to forecast the weather. Login to Discovery Education before selecting the Link. Please note that the video must be downloaded prior to viewing as per AACPS guidelines. BrainPop Video: Explains where wind comes from, what it is, the effect of local geography on wind patterns, and how Earth’s rotation affects wind currents.
Required Lab: Blown Away! Content Standard: Predict severe storms for next year by analyzing the trends, the wind speeds, and the wind directions from collected data. Technology Standard: 5.0 Use technology to locate, evaluate, gather and organize information and data	Average Wind Speed Over Time Compare average wind speeds and directions for Portland, Oregon at different times of the year. Build an anemometer to measure wind speed.
Precipitation Content Standard: Compare average daily precipitation of two different cities during different seasons by creating a Thinking Map.(2.E.2.d) Technology Standard: 5.0 Use technology to locate, evaluate, gather and organize information and data	NWS website: National Weather Service Data USA Today Weather Teacher Note: Once at the site, click on “Monthly Averages.” Real World Reading: A Dire Shortage of Water
Project: Emergency Preparedness Brochure Content Standard: Analyze weather data to help in daily and long-range planning by creating a severe weather brochure. Technology Standard: 5.0 Use technology to locate, evaluate, gather and organize information and data	FEMA describes different types of natural disasters and suggestions on how to be prepared. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides weather safety information.

August 2016