Collecting Weather Data
AUTHOR: Dennis Ewert, Washington Junior High School, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
MAJOR OBJECTIVES:
- To learn to collect weather data
- To learn to use the computer to record and analyze the data
GRADE LEVEL: 7
MATERIALS CHECKLIST:
- One or multiple computers
- Software: integrated software package (spreadsheet, database, word processor)
- Large screen monitor or overhead projector with projection panel
- Sling psychrometer; rain gauge
- Teacher-prepared ISP templates and student worksheets
TIME REQUIRED: 3 - 5 class periods, plus "weather watch"
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
- Have the students collect weather data daily, using the worksheets, and then predict the
next day's weather. If possible, have the students develop a prediction template to use
with the database/spreadsheet.
- Have the students enter their collected data into the database/spreadsheet template
weekly.
- After printing out summary reports and distributing them to the class, lead a discussion
about weather trends.
- Lead a discussion about different ways the integrated software program can be used to
analyze weather data. For example, have students identify the eight highest air pressure
days and mark the cloud cover, wind speed, and wind direction; have them consider the
connection between high pressure and these variables. This can be repeated for low
pressure days, etc.
- Using the large screen monitor, show sequences of days in the database and analyze what
happens when something like a front occurs.
FOLLOW-UP/EXTENSION: Use the collected data and its analysis to predict weather.
Trade information with other schools and compare weather in different towns and states.
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