ESS.2.1.2
Use mathematics and computational thinking to summarize weather conditions (temperature, wind direction, wind speed, precipitation).
Embedded Files
District Recommended Resources for 2nd Grade Science
Science Phenomena Resources
Next Generation Science Standards YouTube Channel
Step 1: Lesson Standards & Learning Goals
The weather standards should be taught in the following order: ESS.2.1.1, ESS.2.1.4, ESS.2.1.3, and ESS.2.1.2
This standard focuses on summarizing the weather data rather than weather tools and data collection. Teachers should introduce the concept of weather (condition of the atmosphere) and the weather conditions (temperature, wind direction, wind speed, precipitation) that are listed in ESS.2.1.2.
(Data collection should happen throughout the school year, so that students can observe patterns and create charts and graphs. Temperature, rainfall, etc. data can be collected/recorded daily.)
Dimension 1:
Science and Engineering Practice: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking: Describe, measure and compare weather conditions and display the data using simple graphs (NSTA SEP Matrix).
Dimension 2:
Crosscutting Concepts: Patterns, Cause and Effect
Dimension 3:
Disciplinary Core Ideas:
ESS2.D Weather is the combination of sunlight, wind, snow or rain, and temperature in a particular region at a particular time. People measure these conditions to describe and record the weather and to notice patterns over time (A Framework for K-12 Science Education).
Sample Essential Questions
Sample Essential Questions
How do scientists use mathematics and computational thinking to summarize weather conditions (temperature, wind direction, wind speed, precipitation)?
How can we use math and data to describe and understand the different weather conditions we experience, such as temperature, wind direction, wind speed, and precipitation?
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
anemometer
cardinal directions: north, south, east, west
climate
compare
compass
observe
patterns
precipitation
temperature
thermometer
weather
wind direction
wind speed
wind sock
wind vane
Students will be able to...
Students will be able to...
Read grade-appropriate texts and/or use media to obtain information about tools that scientists use to observe, record, and predict weather changes.
Use the following tools to measure and collect weather data:
air temperature with a thermometer
wind direction with a wind sock or a wind vane
wind speed with an anemometer
precipitation with a rain gauge
Analyzing and Interpreting Data - Use observations of weather conditions over time to describe patterns in the natural world to answer questions about the weather in a specific area.
Students will know...
Students will know...
We use numbers to describe air temperature, wind speed and the amount of precipitation.
Step 2: Assessment
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessments
Writing Prompts
Math Time: Use math to find out:
What was the highest temperature you recorded?
What was the lowest temperature?
Which direction did the wind blow the most? (North, South, East, or West?)
How many days did it rain or snow?
How much total precipitation did you have for the week? (You can add the amounts together.)
Now, write a short paragraph to summarize what you learned about the weather this week. How did the weather change each day? Why is it important to know about the weather?
Mini Projects and Investigations
Weather Data Reporters:
Divided students into 4 groups:
temperature, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation
Each group will create a graph showing their assigned weather condition data collected throughout the week.
Once the graphs are complete, hang them around the room. Have the students do a gallery walk (in their groups or with partners) and leave sticky note comments about what they notice and wonder.
Lead the class in a discussion about the notices and wonders.
Use Greenscreen to Record a Report of Use Multimedia tools to make a report podcast.
Culminating Activity
Create a unit long weather journal to include writing prompts, weather vocabulary, observations, and predictions. You will use Book Creator to collect your information. Using this information, you will take on the role of a meteorologist and create a 30 second to 1 minute weather report.
*Your DTLS contact person will be available to assist with Book Creator and recording the weather reports.
Step 3: Lesson Instructions
Possible Activating Strategies
Possible Activating Strategies
Exploration
Analyze the type of data that can be shown in each representation. Students will need to choose which type of graphs and charts they will use to collect and display their observational data.
Becoming a Scientist: Weather scientists, or meteorologists, use math and computational thinking to study weather patterns and predict future conditions. By summarizing data about temperature, wind direction, and precipitation, they can help keep people safe during storms or extreme weather.
Becoming a Weather Reporter: Learning to summarize weather conditions like temperature, wind direction, and precipitation is an important part of being a weather reporter. In this role, they gather data about the weather each day, such as the temperature and whether it’s windy or rainy. By using math, they can analyze this information to provide accurate forecasts for their community.
Quick Reads / Student Discourse:
Lead students in a discussion about how learning today can lead to exciting careers in science and technology, emphasizing the real-world relevance of math in understanding our environment.
Additional Literacy Connections
Readworks.org
YouTube
EBSCO (access through NCEdCloud)
Measuring the Weather (eBook)
Britannica
Articles on meteorology, weather folklore (Groundhog day, wooly worms, etc.)
Read Alouds
Rabe, T. (2004). Oh say can you say what’s the weather today? All about weather.
Gibbons, G. (1993). Weather forecasting.
Dean. J. (2013). Freddy the frogcaster.
DeWitt, L. (2015). What will the weather be?
Singer, M. (2001). On the same day in March: A tour of the world’s weather.
Teacher Resources
Teacher Resources
Science A to Z (paid subscription)
Weather Wiz Kids (for information)
Diffit - Weather Tools (free log in)
Lesson plan - History of Weather Forecasting and Meteorology
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