Authors:
Russ Burroughs, Harford Day School, Bel Air, Maryland
Edward Earle, Norwood School, Bethesda, Maryland
Sue McDonald, Canton Middle School, Baltimore, Maryland
Grade Level: 4–6
Objectives:
Students will be able to recognize relationships between weather symbols and weath-
er patterns indicated by satellite images. Note that clouds may indicate weather activity
(such as a thunderstorm) but may be present without producing any such activity.
Note also that forecasts are developed by assessing a variety of data—it will be advis-
able to utilize other data with the imagery (TV and newspaper forecasts, information
from National Weather Service and/or obtained from the Internet, etc.).
Rationale:
Students will gain experience in creating a weather map using satellite imagery, and
will learn some of the symbols commonly used on weather maps.
Relevant Disciplines:
Earth science, language arts, geography
Time Requirement:
Two 45-minute periods
Image Format:
GOES visible image
Prerequisite Skills:
Knowledge and comprehension of different forms of precipitation, clouds, and fronts.
Vocabulary:
front, precipitation, satellite imagery
Materials:
- Large classroom map of North America
- GOES satellite image (photocopies or overhead)
- Copies of weather symbols and weather symbols key for distribution
- U.S. map with symbol keys
- Category chart (for symbols)
- Scissors and glue
ctivities
Day One
- Distribute (or project) the satellite image and discuss the information represented
on the image.
- Lead the class in a discussion regarding the importance of using weather symbols.
- Divide the class into groups of four, for cooperative learning.
US I N G WE AT H E R SY M B O L S
A
