Title: Reporting the Weather

Earth Systems

Standard VI, Objective 2

Title: Reporting the Weather

Description: Students will take one indicator from the core curriculum to explain in a TV "weather report" that they write and perform.

Materials: video clip of TV weather forecast (tape one that has some science in it), video camera and projector (optional) butcher paper, props, textbook, markers, current weather conditions (off Internet)

Time needed: 2 50 minute periods

Background: Most weather forecasters know a great deal about the science behind weather and climate. They often have degrees in meteorology or climatology. To make an accurate forecast, an understanding of the interactions between ocean, air and land is essential.

Procedures:

1. Show students the video clip of the weather report. Stop the report and point out to the students where the science of weather is used or explained.

2. Assign students to work in teams of two. Most weather forecasters work alone but the students can share the speaking parts of the report.

3. Read the student sheet with students. Show them where the materials are and allow time for them to work.

4. The next day or later in the period have students begin their reports. If you are video taping, do it in the hall or another room. Show the tapes to the class when all groups are done.

Scoring Guide:

See rubric on student sheet

Student SheetName______

Title: Reporting the Weather

Introduction: As you watch a weather report on TV, you are often getting a lesson on weather or climate. A good meteorologist analyzes the weather using high technology and background knowledge to make the forecast. To explain why several things might happen besides what is forecast, the reporter will show why they think the weather will be what they forecast. In this activity, you will use what you know about weather and climate to make a weather newscast and explain a part of the pattern that produces weather.

Materials: butcher paper, markers, textbook,

Procedures:

1. With your partner, read the core curriculum below and decide which of the lettered "indicators" you wish to emphasize in your report.

Objective 2: Describe elements of weather and the factors that cause them to vary from day

to day.

a. Identify the elements of weather and the instruments used to measure them (e.g.,

temperature—thermometer; precipitation—rain gauge or Doppler radar; humidity—

hygrometer; air pressure—barometer; wind—anemometer; cloud coverage—satellite

imaging).

b. Describe conditions that give rise to severe weather phenomena (e.g., thunderstorms,

tornados, hurricanes, El Niño/La Niña).

c. Explain a difference between a low pressure system and a high pressure system,

including the weather associated with them.

d. Diagram and describe cold, warm, occluded, and stationary boundaries (weather

fronts) between air masses.

e. Design and conduct a weather investigation, use an appropriate display of the data, and

interpret the observations and data.

2. Use the current weather conditions and draw a weather map on your butcher paper. You can make-up conditions in other areas.

3. Use your textbook to research the information you will report on. Your weather forecast should be at least 3 minutes long and both partners should speak.

4. Be sure to include a forecast for the next day. See the rubric below.

5. Video tape or present your forecast to the class.

Rubric: