RATIONALE

•Observe and describe the changes that occur in weather over time.

•Become familiar with instruments used to monitor weather conditions.

•Compare weather conditions using a bar and line graph.

•Organize and communicate observations through drawing and writing.

•Acquire the vocabulary associated with properties of air and weather conditions.

TASKS

•Keep a weather journal and/or calendar

•Make an anemometer, rain gauge, and wind catcher

•Experiment with a thermometer and properties of air with parachutes, propellers, rockets, and gliders

•Use the Internet (KVUE.COM) to check local weather conditions

•Use Graph Club to graph temperature, cloud types, and rainfall

•View and discuss two videos (TIME for Kids, KVUE 24)

•Create weather collage using various art materials

•Use Slide Show to show water cycle

TOOLS

•FOSS Kit

•Graph Club

•Kid Pix/Slide Show

•Video Tapes

•Web Sites

•Various Consumable Materials (i.e. straws, balloons, drying plastic materials)

•Art Materials

STANDARDS

•FOSS Kit

•TEKS for 2nd Grade

•AISD Frameworks

ASSESSMENTS

•Review and discuss weather records in weather journals

•Discuss and demonstrate use of thermometer

•Produce final product using Graph Club and Slide Show

•Design and create a wind catcher

INTERACTIONS

•Individual and small, cooperative groups

•Teacher-directed followed by experimental

SITUATIONS

•Indoor/Outdoor Activities

•FOSS Kit with materials

•45 minute time slot