Differentiation Ideas
S4E4
S4E4. Students will analyze weather charts/maps and collect weather data to predict weather events and infer patterns and seasonal changes.
a. Identify weather instruments and explain how each is used in gathering weather data and making forecasts (thermometer, rain gauge, barometer, wind vane, anemometer).
b. Using a weather map, identify the fronts, temperature, and precipitation and use the information to interpret the weather conditions.
c. Use observations and records of weather conditions to predict weather patterns throughout the year.
d. Differentiate between weather and climate.
Differentiation ideas:
Support:
Have students make signs saying Cold Air Mass and Warm Air Mass. Pair students up partner and have them display their signs as they describe the movements of a cold front and a warm front.
On Target:
Have students draw and label diagrams of a cold front and a warm front.
Extended:
Have students make flip books showing the movement of a cold front or a warm front.
Support:
Write each of these terms on an index card: thermometer, barometer, anemometer, rain gauge, wind vane. Display examples or pictures of each instrument, and have students match the cards with the instrument.
On Target:
Have students look for and list weather related vocabulary words that contain –meter. Have them write a definition for each word.
Extended:
Have students use what they have learned about weather instruments to guess the meaning of the word parts anemo- (wind), baro- (pressure), and thermo- (heat). Then ask them to use a dictionary or glossary to determine if their guesses are correct.
· Support:
Make a weather mobile in which you share key weather vocabulary and concepts. Be sure to include meanings, examples, and illustrations.
On Target:
Develop a quiz to give your classmates about the information you have learned about weather.
Extended:
Read a weather related newspaper article. Write a summary of the article to share with your classmates. Prepare 3 questions to ask the class about the article after you have shared.
Differentiated Informal Assessment Ideas:
· Support:
Ask students to draw and label two of the weather instruments they have been studying. Have them write sentences telling what each instrument does.
On Target:
Ask students to draw and label two of the weather instruments they have been studying. Have them write a paragraph telling what each instrument does and how it is used to gather weather data.
Extended:
Ask students to draw and label two of the weather instruments they have been studying. Have them write a paragraph telling what each instrument does, how it is used to gather weather data, and how it helps meteorologists make forecast.