Science Inquiry Work - Weather/Clouds
Students have a basic understanding about sky conditions and weather patterns, but a limited understanding on how cloud observation and weather patterns are used to make predictions about future weather. The students would benefit from enriching the NYS science scope and sequence with interdisciplinary inquiry work that includes queries, cloud observation, cloud classification, and hands-on activities to gain a better understanding of the importance of cloud formation in making predictions (cause and effect) about future weather patterns.
Major Concepts:
Patterns:
Observed patterns in nature guide organization and classification and prompt questions about the relationships and causes underlying them. Patterns in the natural world can be observed, and used to make predictions.
Weather and sky condition affect cloud formation and patterns. There are various types of clouds that can be observed. People have used clouds (and their understanding of clouds) to predict upcoming weather.
Weather changes day to day.
Weather includes many features including:
Weather affects decision we make about clothing and activities.
Big Ideas:
Major Concepts:
Patterns:
Observed patterns in nature guide organization and classification and prompt questions about the relationships and causes underlying them. Patterns in the natural world can be observed, and used to make predictions.
Weather and sky condition affect cloud formation and patterns. There are various types of clouds that can be observed. People have used clouds (and their understanding of clouds) to predict upcoming weather.
Weather changes day to day.
Weather includes many features including:
- Cloud cover
- Precipitation
- Wind
- Temperature
Weather affects decision we make about clothing and activities.
Big Ideas:
- Weather conditions vary daily and seasonally.
- Daily and seasonal weather conditions affect what we do, what we wear, and how we feel. Essential Questions
- How can understanding clouds help you understand weather?
- What predictable patterns of change in weather can be observed?
- What is weather? (Cold/hot, humid/dry, windy, cloudy, precipitation).
- How can cloud observation help us to predict a weather pattern?
- What makes a weather pattern?