Weather Wonders: Exploring the World Around Us
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How does the weather affect our daily lives, and how can we use different tools to understand and predict it?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the different types of weather?
- How do clouds form?
- What tools do we use to measure weather?
- How does weather affect what we wear and do?
- Can we predict the weather?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to identify and describe different types of weather (sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowy, windy).
- Students will be able to explain how clouds form.
- Students will be able to use simple tools (thermometer, rain gauge) to measure weather conditions.
- Students will be able to describe how weather affects daily activities and clothing choices.
- Students will be able to make simple predictions about the weather based on observations.
- Students will be able to record daily weather conditions using drawings and simple charts.
- Students will be able to communicate findings and observations about weather patterns to their peers.
- Students will be able to define precipitation and list types (rain, snow, sleet, hail).
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsEmergency Weather Forecast
The classroom transforms into a weather forecasting center for a day. Students receive 'urgent' calls from community members needing weather predictions for various activities (a picnic, a sports game, a construction project), prompting them to investigate and report on current weather conditions and forecasts.The Weather-Wise Guide
The teacher reads a story about a character who makes poor choices about clothing and activities based on the weather. Students discuss what the character should have done differently and create a 'weather-wise' guide for the character, connecting weather knowledge to daily life decisions.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Weather Picture Book
Students create a weather picture book using drawings and labels to show different types of weather.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA picture book with at least five pages, each depicting a different type of weather with a descriptive label.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to identify and describe different types of weather (sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowy, windy).Cloud in a Jar Experiment
Students conduct a simple experiment to simulate cloud formation using a jar, hot water, hairspray, and ice.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written explanation and illustration of the cloud formation process based on their observations from the experiment.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to explain how clouds form.Weather Tools Tracker
Students learn how to use a thermometer and rain gauge, then record daily temperature and rainfall measurements.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA weekly weather chart showing daily temperature and rainfall measurements.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to use simple tools (thermometer, rain gauge) to measure weather conditions.Weather Wardrobe
Students create a 'Weather Wardrobe' guide, matching clothing items to different weather conditions.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA poster or digital presentation showing appropriate clothing choices for various weather scenarios.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to describe how weather affects daily activities and clothing choices.Cloud Prediction Log
Students observe the sky and use cloud types to predict the weather for the next day.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA daily weather prediction log with cloud observations and predictions.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to make simple predictions about the weather based on observations.Daily Weather Journal
Students create a daily weather journal using drawings and simple charts.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA weather journal with daily entries including weather descriptions, drawings, and temperature recordings.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to record daily weather conditions using drawings and simple charts.Weather Report Presentation
Students present their weather findings to the class using a self-made weather report.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA short presentation about weather observations and predictions, including visuals.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to communicate findings and observations about weather patterns to their peers.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioFirst Grade Weather Portfolio Rubric
Weather Representation
Assesses the student's ability to visually represent and describe different types of weather in a creative and informative picture book.Weather Depiction
Accuracy of weather depictions
Exemplary
4 PointsIllustrations accurately and creatively represent a wide range of weather types with detailed attention to their unique characteristics.
Proficient
3 PointsIllustrations accurately represent several weather types with good attention to their characteristics.
Developing
2 PointsIllustrations represent a few weather types with some attention to their basic characteristics.
Beginning
1 PointsIllustrations show a limited understanding of different weather types and lack detail.
Weather Labels
Clarity and correctness of weather labels
Exemplary
4 PointsLabels are precise, correctly identify each weather type, and enhance understanding with additional details.
Proficient
3 PointsLabels accurately identify each weather type, demonstrating a clear understanding of the terms.
Developing
2 PointsLabels generally identify the weather types but may contain minor inaccuracies or lack precision.
Beginning
1 PointsLabels are often missing, incorrect, or do not clearly identify the weather types.
Descriptive Sentences
Quality and descriptiveness of sentences
Exemplary
4 PointsSentences are vivid, descriptive, and provide rich details about the weather in each picture, enhancing the overall presentation.
Proficient
3 PointsSentences clearly describe the weather in each picture, adding relevant details.
Developing
2 PointsSentences offer basic descriptions of the weather but may lack detail or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsSentences are minimal, incomplete, or do not adequately describe the weather in the pictures.
Presentation and Organization
Overall presentation and organization
Exemplary
4 PointsThe picture book is exceptionally well-organized, visually appealing, and demonstrates a high level of effort and creativity.
Proficient
3 PointsThe picture book is well-organized, visually appealing, and demonstrates effort and creativity.
Developing
2 PointsThe picture book is somewhat organized and visually appealing, showing some effort.
Beginning
1 PointsThe picture book lacks organization, visual appeal, and demonstrates minimal effort.
Cloud Formation Experiment
Evaluates the student's ability to conduct a cloud-in-a-jar experiment, observe the cloud formation process, and provide a written explanation and illustration.Explanation of Cloud Formation
Accuracy of cloud formation explanation
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a detailed and scientifically accurate explanation of cloud formation, including all key elements and processes observed during the experiment.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides an accurate explanation of cloud formation, including most key elements and processes observed during the experiment.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic explanation of cloud formation but may miss some key elements or processes observed during the experiment.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides an incomplete or inaccurate explanation of cloud formation, missing several key elements or processes observed during the experiment.
Illustration Quality
Detail and clarity of illustration
Exemplary
4 PointsIllustration is highly detailed, clear, and accurately represents the cloud formation process as observed in the experiment, with labeled components.
Proficient
3 PointsIllustration is detailed and clearly represents the cloud formation process as observed in the experiment.
Developing
2 PointsIllustration represents the cloud formation process but may lack detail or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsIllustration is incomplete, unclear, or does not accurately represent the cloud formation process.
Experiment-Explanation Connection
Connection between experiment and explanation
Exemplary
4 PointsClearly and thoroughly connects observations from the experiment to the scientific explanation of cloud formation, demonstrating a strong understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsConnects observations from the experiment to the explanation of cloud formation, demonstrating a good understanding.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to connect observations from the experiment to the explanation of cloud formation but may be superficial or unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to connect observations from the experiment to the explanation of cloud formation.
Scientific Reasoning
Scientific reasoning and accuracy
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates excellent scientific reasoning and provides a highly accurate explanation of the cloud formation process, using appropriate scientific vocabulary.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates sound scientific reasoning and provides an accurate explanation of the cloud formation process.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates basic scientific reasoning but may have some inaccuracies in the explanation of the cloud formation process.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates limited scientific reasoning and provides an inaccurate explanation of the cloud formation process.
Weather Measurement
Focuses on the student's ability to use weather tools (thermometer and rain gauge) to accurately measure and record daily weather conditions on a chart.Temperature Accuracy
Accuracy of temperature readings
Exemplary
4 PointsAll temperature readings are consistently accurate and precisely recorded, demonstrating excellent understanding and use of the thermometer.
Proficient
3 PointsMost temperature readings are accurate and correctly recorded, demonstrating good understanding and use of the thermometer.
Developing
2 PointsSome temperature readings are accurate, but there are occasional errors in recording or use of the thermometer.
Beginning
1 PointsTemperature readings are frequently inaccurate or incorrectly recorded, indicating a lack of understanding or improper use of the thermometer.
Rainfall Accuracy
Accuracy of rainfall measurements
Exemplary
4 PointsAll rainfall measurements are consistently accurate and precisely recorded, demonstrating excellent understanding and use of the rain gauge.
Proficient
3 PointsMost rainfall measurements are accurate and correctly recorded, demonstrating good understanding and use of the rain gauge.
Developing
2 PointsSome rainfall measurements are accurate, but there are occasional errors in recording or use of the rain gauge.
Beginning
1 PointsRainfall measurements are frequently inaccurate or incorrectly recorded, indicating a lack of understanding or improper use of the rain gauge.
Chart Completeness
Completeness and organization of the weather chart
Exemplary
4 PointsThe weather chart is complete, meticulously organized, and easy to interpret, with all data clearly presented and labeled.
Proficient
3 PointsThe weather chart is complete, well-organized, and easy to interpret, with most data clearly presented and labeled.
Developing
2 PointsThe weather chart is mostly complete and organized, but some data may be missing or unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsThe weather chart is incomplete, disorganized, and difficult to interpret, with significant data missing or unclear.
Measurement Consistency
Consistency of daily measurements
Exemplary
4 PointsDaily temperature and rainfall measurements are consistently taken and recorded throughout the week, demonstrating a strong commitment to the task.
Proficient
3 PointsDaily temperature and rainfall measurements are taken and recorded for most of the week, with only minor inconsistencies.
Developing
2 PointsDaily temperature and rainfall measurements are taken and recorded sporadically throughout the week, with some inconsistencies.
Beginning
1 PointsDaily temperature and rainfall measurements are rarely taken or recorded, indicating a lack of effort or understanding.
Weather and Clothing
Assesses the student's ability to create a 'Weather Wardrobe' guide that matches clothing items to different weather conditions, demonstrating an understanding of weather's impact on clothing choices.Clothing Appropriateness
Appropriateness of clothing choices for weather scenarios
Exemplary
4 PointsClothing choices are perfectly matched to weather scenarios, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of weather conditions and their impact on clothing needs.
Proficient
3 PointsClothing choices are generally appropriate for weather scenarios, demonstrating a good understanding of weather conditions and their impact on clothing needs.
Developing
2 PointsClothing choices are somewhat appropriate for weather scenarios but may contain some mismatches or omissions.
Beginning
1 PointsClothing choices are often inappropriate for weather scenarios, indicating a limited understanding of weather conditions and their impact on clothing needs.
Scenario Variety
Variety of weather scenarios covered
Exemplary
4 PointsThe 'Weather Wardrobe' covers a wide range of weather scenarios, providing diverse and comprehensive examples of appropriate clothing choices.
Proficient
3 PointsThe 'Weather Wardrobe' covers several weather scenarios, providing varied examples of appropriate clothing choices.
Developing
2 PointsThe 'Weather Wardrobe' covers a few weather scenarios but may lack variety or comprehensiveness.
Beginning
1 PointsThe 'Weather Wardrobe' covers only one or two weather scenarios, providing limited examples of appropriate clothing choices.
Visual Appeal and Organization
Visual appeal and organization of the poster/presentation
Exemplary
4 PointsThe poster or digital presentation is exceptionally visually appealing, creatively organized, and effectively conveys information about weather and clothing.
Proficient
3 PointsThe poster or digital presentation is visually appealing, well-organized, and effectively conveys information about weather and clothing.
Developing
2 PointsThe poster or digital presentation is somewhat visually appealing and organized but may have some areas for improvement.
Beginning
1 PointsThe poster or digital presentation lacks visual appeal and organization, making it difficult to understand the information about weather and clothing.
Weather-Activity Connection
Connection between weather and activities
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how weather affects daily activities and provides insightful connections between weather conditions and suitable activities.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a clear understanding of how weather affects daily activities and provides relevant connections between weather conditions and suitable activities.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates a basic understanding of how weather affects daily activities but may have some superficial connections between weather conditions and suitable activities.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates a limited understanding of how weather affects daily activities and provides few or no connections between weather conditions and suitable activities.
Weather Prediction
Evaluates the student's ability to observe the sky, identify cloud types, and use these observations to make simple weather predictions, recorded in a daily log.Cloud Identification
Accuracy of cloud identification
Exemplary
4 PointsConsistently and accurately identifies a wide variety of cloud types with detailed observations of their characteristics.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately identifies several common cloud types with clear observations of their characteristics.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies a few basic cloud types but may have some inaccuracies or lack detailed observations.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify cloud types accurately and provides minimal or inaccurate observations.
Prediction Accuracy
Reasonableness of weather predictions
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides insightful and accurate weather predictions based on cloud observations, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of weather patterns.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides reasonable and generally accurate weather predictions based on cloud observations, demonstrating a good understanding of weather patterns.
Developing
2 PointsProvides weather predictions that are sometimes reasonable but may be inconsistent or lack a clear connection to cloud observations.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides weather predictions that are often unreasonable or inaccurate, with little or no connection to cloud observations.
Observation Consistency
Consistency of observations and predictions
Exemplary
4 PointsConsistently observes the sky daily and provides regular weather predictions, demonstrating a strong commitment to the task.
Proficient
3 PointsObserves the sky and provides weather predictions on most days, with only minor inconsistencies.
Developing
2 PointsObserves the sky and provides weather predictions sporadically, with some inconsistencies.
Beginning
1 PointsRarely observes the sky or provides weather predictions, indicating a lack of effort or understanding.
Observation Clarity
Clarity and detail of recorded observations
Exemplary
4 PointsRecords observations with exceptional clarity and detail, providing comprehensive descriptions of cloud types and sky conditions.
Proficient
3 PointsRecords observations with good clarity and detail, providing clear descriptions of cloud types and sky conditions.
Developing
2 PointsRecords observations with some clarity but may lack detail or completeness.
Beginning
1 PointsRecords observations that are unclear, minimal, or incomplete, lacking essential details about cloud types and sky conditions.
Daily Weather Recording
Assesses the student's ability to consistently record daily weather conditions in a journal, using drawings, written descriptions, and temperature recordings.Entry Completeness
Completeness of daily entries
Exemplary
4 PointsConsistently completes all components of the daily weather journal, including weather description, drawing, and temperature, with meticulous attention to detail.
Proficient
3 PointsCompletes most components of the daily weather journal, including weather description, drawing, and temperature, with good attention to detail.
Developing
2 PointsCompletes some components of the daily weather journal but may miss details or leave sections incomplete.
Beginning
1 PointsRarely completes components of the daily weather journal, with significant omissions and lack of detail.
Temperature Accuracy
Accuracy of temperature recordings
Exemplary
4 PointsTemperature recordings are consistently accurate and precisely documented, demonstrating excellent understanding and use of a thermometer.
Proficient
3 PointsTemperature recordings are mostly accurate and correctly documented, demonstrating good understanding and use of a thermometer.
Developing
2 PointsTemperature recordings are sometimes accurate but may contain occasional errors or inconsistencies.
Beginning
1 PointsTemperature recordings are frequently inaccurate or missing, indicating a lack of understanding or improper use of a thermometer.
Description Quality
Quality of weather descriptions
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides vivid, descriptive, and detailed accounts of the daily weather conditions, capturing the nuances and changes in the environment.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides clear and descriptive accounts of the daily weather conditions, including relevant details.
Developing
2 PointsProvides basic descriptions of the daily weather conditions but may lack detail or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides minimal or vague descriptions of the daily weather conditions, lacking essential details.
Drawing Accuracy
Representational accuracy of weather drawings
Exemplary
4 PointsDrawings accurately and creatively represent the daily weather conditions, demonstrating a strong understanding of visual representation.
Proficient
3 PointsDrawings accurately represent the daily weather conditions, demonstrating a clear understanding of visual representation.
Developing
2 PointsDrawings generally represent the daily weather conditions but may lack detail or accuracy.
Beginning
1 PointsDrawings are unclear, inaccurate, or do not adequately represent the daily weather conditions.
Weather Presentation
Assesses the student's ability to communicate their weather findings and observations to their peers through a well-prepared and engaging presentation.Presentation Clarity
Clarity and organization of presentation
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation is exceptionally clear, logically organized, and easy to follow, with a compelling narrative that engages the audience.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation is clear, logically organized, and easy to follow, with a coherent narrative.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation is somewhat clear and organized but may have some areas where the narrative is difficult to follow.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation is unclear, disorganized, and difficult to follow, lacking a coherent narrative.
Visual Aid Effectiveness
Effectiveness of visual aids
Exemplary
4 PointsVisual aids are highly effective, creatively designed, and significantly enhance the audience's understanding of the weather findings.
Proficient
3 PointsVisual aids are effective and enhance the audience's understanding of the weather findings.
Developing
2 PointsVisual aids are somewhat effective but may lack clarity or relevance to the weather findings.
Beginning
1 PointsVisual aids are ineffective, poorly designed, or detract from the audience's understanding of the weather findings.
Findings Accuracy
Accuracy and completeness of weather findings
Exemplary
4 PointsWeather findings are exceptionally accurate, thoroughly researched, and comprehensively presented, demonstrating a deep understanding of weather patterns.
Proficient
3 PointsWeather findings are accurate, well-researched, and clearly presented, demonstrating a good understanding of weather patterns.
Developing
2 PointsWeather findings are generally accurate but may lack detail or completeness.
Beginning
1 PointsWeather findings are inaccurate, incomplete, or poorly presented, indicating a limited understanding of weather patterns.
Presentation Engagement
Engagement and delivery of presentation
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presenter is highly engaging, delivering the presentation with enthusiasm, confidence, and excellent communication skills, captivating the audience.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presenter is engaging, delivering the presentation with confidence and clear communication skills.
Developing
2 PointsThe presenter is somewhat engaging but may lack confidence or clarity in communication.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presenter is disengaged, lacking confidence and clear communication skills, failing to capture the audience's attention.