Brief Description

In this lesson 2nd grade students will learn background information about weather and reading a thermometer. They will then use a real time weather website on the Internet to complete a weather scavenger hunt. Their 4th grade buddies will assist them in navigating the site.

Standards and Frameworks

Technology Standards

• 1T-F2. Demonstrate functional operation of technology components
• 1T-F3. Use developmentally appropriate technology resources to access information and communicate electronically
• 2T-F1. Demonstrate respect for other students while using technology
• 2T-F3. Discuss common uses of technology in daily life and the advantages and disadvantages those uses provide
• 3T-F2. Use prescribed technology tools for data collection and basic analysis
• 6T-F1. Use technology resources for problem solving, self-directed learning and extended learning activities

• 6SC-R3. Identify how the weather affects daily activities
• 6SC-F3. Identify the seasons and their characteristics
• 6SC-F6. Describe natural events and how humans are affected by them
• 6SC-F7. Measure and record changes in weather conditions
• 5M-F2.Explain the concepts related to units of measure and demonstrate the process of measurement with non-standard (e.g., using paperclip lengths), U.S. customary and metric units

Academic

• After class discussion of outside temperatures and clothing choices, students will glue clothing pictures by the appropriate temperature range on their own large paper thermometer with 80% accuracy.
• After class discussion of weather happenings and leisure time outdoor activities that are related to each type of weather, students will glue activity pictures by the appropriate temperature range on their own large paper thermometer with 80% accuracy.

• Given a website address, students will access the real time weather site at www.accuweather.com and explore the types of maps and information available so that they can verbally share one thing they found with the class.
• With the assistance of a 4th grade buddy, students will successfully navigate the website to locate and record states that have certain weather conditions and/or temperatures.

• Students must know how to keyboard and locate letters.
• Students must know how to log on to the computer and get on the Internet.
• Students must know how to type in a web address and access a website.

Copies of large paper thermometer for each student
Copies of weather activity pictures and clothing items for each student
1 sheet of colored 12 x 18 construction paper for each student
Pencils, erasers, crayons and markers
Computer lab
Teacher made technology skills checklist
Copy of Online Weather Scavenger hunt for each student and their buddy
Copy of self-evaluation form for each student

Accommodations for Special Needs
 

• SEI and Learning Disabilities: Both Sheltered English Immersion and students with learning disabilities will be paired with a partner who has a strong understanding of the material presented and is capable of helping them reason through which clothing/activities should go where on the thermometer. These students will also have the opportunity to work with a parent volunteer for further assistance if needed.
• ADHD/ADD:  Break task into small parts and provide feedback to ensure successful progress towards the completed thermometer. At the computer lab the student will be paired with a 4th grade buddy that is focused and positive.
• GIFTED: Students will be challenged to write their own scavenger hunt directions. These directions can then be compiled into a second weather scavenger hunt, which these students will then complete independently on the next computer lab visit.

1.  Teacher will build background knowledge for the subjects of seasons/weather in the classroom by involving students in reading poems and stories, singing songs and painting pictures about the seasons and types of weather.

2.  Teacher will teach a mini-lesson about thermometers, which covers how to read the thermometer and what temperature ranges on the thermometer are considered hot, warm, cool, and cold.

3.  Students will complete a thermometer experiment in a small group where they use the thermometer to measure, read, and record temperatures of hot water, cold water, ice water, a light bulb, and their armpits.

4.  Teacher will lead a class discussion of the temperature ranges on the thermometer and students will then each make a large paper thermometer that is color coded according to the following temperature ranges:
 

• 100 degrees F and above = red = very hot
• 80 – 100 degrees F = orange = hot
• 60 – 80 degrees F = yellow = warm
• 40 – 60 degrees F = green = cool
• 20 – 40 degrees F = blue = cold
• 0 - 20 degrees F = purple = very cold
• 0 degrees F and below = white = extremely cold


5.  After a class discussion of the relationship between outside temperatures and the clothing that is appropriate in different weather, students will glue clothing pictures next to the appropriate temperature range on their paper thermometer.

6. Teacher will lead a class discussion about leisure time outdoor activities and the weather that is appropriate for different activities. Students will then add small pictures of different outdoor activities next to the appropriate temperature range on their thermometer.

7. Given a web address, students will log on to the Internet and then assess the Real Time Weather site www.accuweather.com. With the assistance of a 4th grade buddy they will follow the specific directions included on the Online Weather Scavenger Hunt worksheet to navigate the site and access information about the current weather. Using their picture coded thermometer as a reference students will locate and record places in the United States where it would be appropriate to wear certain clothing (i.e., coat, rain jacket, sandals) on the day they are completing the scavenger hunt. They will also locate and record states where they could participate in certain outdoor activities.

8. When the online weather scavenger hunt is completed, the teacher will lead a discussion about how the weather information available on the Internet can be useful in our everyday lives.

9. Students will reflect upon their process in the computer lab and complete the self-assessment of their success in the areas of cooperation, following directions, observations and questioning.

1. Teacher will evaluate the student’s understanding of the relationship between clothing and activities and the weather by evaluating the student’s thermometer diagram for accuracy.
2. Teacher will evaluate the accuracy of the student’s weather scavenger hunt responses by comparing the student’s answers to print out of weather conditions in the United States on the day the scavenger hunt was completed.
3. Teacher will use a checklist to determine which students were able to cooperate with their partner in order to successfully log on to the Internet, locate the web address, and utilize the information on the website to complete their weather scavenger hunt.