Process
Step 1: Role Selection
Meet with your weather partner. Select one of the following roles:
- Weather Technician -- As the technician, you will record weather data and create charts for the weather report. You are also in charge of running the equipment during the weather forecast presentation.
- Weather Presenter -- As the presenter, you will record satellite imagery and create text information for the weather report. You will also present the weather forecast during the weather forecast presentation.
Step 2: What is weather?
With your partner, go to the following links to review the different parts of weather.
Step 3: Parts of a Weather Forecast
Watch a weather forecast with the class. Discuss and record what the meteorologist includes in his/her weather forecast with your partner. Then visit one of the two following sites.
The technician will record important information from each of the following sites while the presenter navigates the computer. Both partners are responsible for finding important information. Please include a definition for each of the following terms and at least one important fact about each.
Step 4: Weather Data Collection
As a team, select a city you would like to complete your weather research.
Go to the Evaluation page to find out how you will be graded for this section.
Work in pairs to complete the following jobs based on your role.
Technician:
1. To begin, you will need to use Excel to create a spreadsheet to record your weather data. You need to create columns in which to record the following data: high temperature for the day, low temperature for the day, current temperature, current barometric pressure, current humidity, current wind speed and direction, cloud presence, and precipitation.
2. Go to the following website and select your chosen city.
3. Record the data listed above on your Excel spreadsheet. Do this everyday for the next two weeks.
4. At the end of the two weeks, convert your data into a graph using Excel.
Presenter:
Complete the following steps everyday for the next two weeks.
1. Go to the National Geographic Atlas to find and print a map of the area to which your city belongs.
2. Go to Interactive Weather Information Network (IWIN) to find the satellite and radar imagery for your selected area.
3. Record the data from the satellite imagery on your map.
Whole Team
After recording data each day, meet with your weather-team to share the day's findings with each other.
Step 5: Data Analysis
At the end of the two weeks, meet with your weather team to analyze your weather data. To do this answer the following questions:
How does the satellite data help you understand the weather data recorded in Excel? Do you see any relationships or trends?
What relationships, if any, do you find between temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, cloud presence, wind speed and direction, and precipitation?
How can this information help you make predictions about the weather?
What is the typical weather for your city at this time of year?
As a group, record your findings in one of two possible ways:
Microsoft Word
Inspiration
Step 6: Weather Forecast
Work with your weather team to create a forecast for your city for the next three days. To do this, you will need to use what you learned while doing this WebQuest. It is very important that you use the weather data you have collected to help you create your forecast.
Your forecast will need to include:
- the high and low temperature for each day
- type of precipitation each day
- cloud cover during the day
- satellite and radar imagery to help support your forecast
You will need to print the "Forecast Record" and record your forecast on the "Weather Predictions" section of the page.
Slide Show Creation
Your weather team will be able to create the visual presentation for your forecast by going to The Weather Classroom and then clicking on "Interactive Weather Forecast". Follow the instructions that you find there. Each member of the team is assigned specific jobs in creating the presentation.
- Technician:
- Enter high and low temperature for each day.
- Choose appropriate graphic for each day.
- Presenter:
- Choose and insert appropriate satellite and radar image.
Your group should include any other information or data that you think is important to your forecast in this visual presentation.
Presentation Creation and Rehearsal
Work as a team to write your script for your forecast presentation.
Each weather-team member has an important role:
- Technician: Runs slideshow. You will need to make sure you understand how to use "Interactive Weather Forecast."
- Presenter: Does oral and visual presentation "on camera". You will need to learn what to say during your forecast presentaiton.
Rehearse your presentation until you each feel comfortable with your tasks.
Forecast Presentation
Your team will perform your Forecast Presentation for the class.
Step 7: Check for Accuracy
Return to National Weather Service site each day that you included in your forecast to see how accurate your team was in your prediction.
Each day, fill out the "Actual Weather" portion of the "Forecast Record" you printed and began filling out in Step 6.