Intel® in Education Intel Education: Unit and Project Plans

Overview and Benefits

Project Design

Unit Plan Index

Instructional Strategies
Weather Watchers Weather Watchers
 
At a Glance
Grade Level: Grades 8 and 9

Subjects: Natural Science

Topics: Weather; sustainability; interrelations; synoptic maps; spatial relations; forecasting weather; storms; atmosphere.

Time Needed: Six weeks: 27 periods of 50 minutes each

Key Learnings: Learners will appreciate how climate impacts on our lives
 
 
Things You Need
Printed materials: Information sheets; rubrics; scaffolding; handouts; management documents.

Standards ›

Resources ›
 
Unit Summary
The climate and the weather associated with it (precipitation, temperature and wind) have a major influence on all human activities. This unit explores how.

Curriculum Framing Questions
How does the weather affect my life and those of the rest of the world?

Instructional Procedures
  1. Introduction: Teacher introduces the unit - introductory ideas can be viewed - click here.
  2. Learners select a dimension that they feel comfortable with.
  3. Teacher groups them so that each group consist of all three geographical dimensions. In groups each dimension must come together in their conclusion of their project
  4. Each group must produce the following products: newsletter / presentation / website.
  5. Students must interview at least two experts (live or email) in their respective dimensions.
  6. Students gather data and research the topic using the all possible sources including Internet and library.
  7. Students prepare PowerPoint presentation this is to teach others about their topic.
  8. After presentation - a review - self evaluation form - so that shortcomings highlighted can inform an improved newsletter and website.
  9. Develop newsletter to inform rest of school / community of project - must reflect insight gained thus far with each dimension
  10. review newsletter - self assessment - highlight short comings - so that improvements can take place
  11. Develop website: this is to bring together their insights gained in their research; to participate in current issues; poll topics of choice; link to relevant sites; interactive pages.
Prerequisite Skills
Knowledge of World wide web; spreadsheets; word processor; basic research skills.

Assessment
Rubrics are setup for each product: newsletter; presentation and website.

Credits
This unit was developed by Saaid Agherdien of Crestway High School as part of a facilitator training session for the Intel® Teach to the Future programme.

Standards

Learners should be able to demonstrate:
  1. asking geographic questions; locating and extracting info from sources; observing and recording observations during field work; organising info into maps, graphs; diagrams; tables, charts, analyse and interpret Info.
  2. when the learner is able to demonstrate the competence to develop knowledge and critical understanding of how physical and social processes and the resultant patterns found in a spatial context in various places and regions over time.
  3. must be able to demonstrate the competence to make sound judgements and take responsible and appropriate action that will contribute to the equitable and sustainable development of society and the environment. Geography encourages learners to develop attitudes and values to challenge and address socio-economic and environmental injustices.
Resources
Internet resources:
The Weather Channel*
Intellicast*
WeatherNet*
BNL Weather Center*


Weather Concepts and Tutorials
Weather Forecasting*
Meteorology Quiz*
Weather Station*
Radar Map Reading 1*
Satellite Map Reading*
Weather Symbols*
Radar Map Reading 2*


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