ctivities
Day 1
- Divide the class into cooperative learning teams of four students each.
- Distribute day-00 weather map and the matching satellite images.
- Compare the satellite image and weather map, and match features relating to
cloud cover and weather events.
- Report team findings and discuss (whole class).
Day 2
- Distribute day-01 weather map and satellite image.
- Compare the image and the weather map, and relate it to the previous day.
- Record and report any differences. Discuss.
Days 3–4
- Distribute the third set of weather maps and images.
- Compare them, and report any differences.
- In individual groups, look for patterns that are occurring on the maps and images.
- Discuss as a class.
- In teams, use the patterns from the maps and images to predict the weather for
the next day.
- Each team member completes a weather map and forecast for the next day.
- Share and post forecasts and maps.
- Use a satellite image and weather map for the next day to compare the actual
weather to the forecasted weather.
Questions:
- How are the satellite images and the weather maps the same?
- How are temperature, clouds, and precipitation related?
- How does the movement of cloud patterns help us to find weather fronts?
- How did the satellite images and weather maps change each day?
- What patterns could you find in the changes each day?
- How can finding these patterns help us to predict (forecast) the weather?
Extensions:
- Continuation of daily weather forecasting from maps and images by each group in
rotation.
2 Exploration of the factors that might have caused the forecast not to match the
actual weather.
- Investigation into weather forecasting: history, tools, benefits.
References:
Ahrens, Donald C.
Berman, Ann E.
For Spacious Skies. Sky Watcher’s Cloud Chart.
Summary of Forecast Rules by Cloud Types.
A
