Weather
SOL 4.6
The student will investigate and understand how weather conditions and phenomena occur and can be predicted. Key concepts include
a) weather phenomena;
b) weather measurements and meteorological tools; and
c) use of weather measurements and weather phenomena to make weather predictions.
Understanding the Standard ·
- Temperature is the measure of the amount of thermal energy in the atmosphere.
· Air pressureis due to the weight of the air and is determined by several factors including the temperature of the air.
· A front is the boundary between air masses of different temperature and humidity.
· Cirrus, stratus, cumulus, and cumulo-nimbus clouds are associated with certain weather conditions.
· Cumulus clouds are fluffy and white with flat bottoms. They usually indicate fair weather. However, when they get larger and darker on the bottom, they become cumulo-nimbus clouds. Cumulo-nimbus clouds may produce thunderstorms.
· Stratus clouds are smooth, gray clouds that cover the whole sky (block out direct sunlight). Light rain and drizzle are usually associated with stratus clouds.
· Cirrus clouds are feathery clouds. They are associated with fair weather. Cirrus clouds often indicate that rain or snow will fall within several hours.
· Extreme atmospheric conditions create various kinds of storms such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes.
· Different atmospheric conditions create different types of precipitation.
· Meteorologists gather data by using a variety of instruments.
· Meteorologists use data to predict weather patterns.
· A barometer measures air pressure. · An anemometer measures wind speed.
· A rain gauge measures the amount of precipitation.
· A thermometer measures the temperature of the air.
Book Annotations
Clouds by Anne Rockwell, Illus by Frane Lessac, (2008) 40 pages. Collins, (978-0064452205) Grades 2-4
This book gives basic information about clouds in the easy-to-read picture-book format that is nice for children.
This book gives basic information about clouds in the easy-to-read picture-book format that is nice for children.
Down Comes the Rain by Franklin Branley, Illus by James Graham Hale. (1997) 32 pages. Collins, (978-0064451666) Grades 2-4
This book is a concise and informative look at the water cycle. "Branley provides a fundamental understanding of how water is recycled, how clouds are formed, and why rain and hail occur".
This book is a concise and informative look at the water cycle. "Branley provides a fundamental understanding of how water is recycled, how clouds are formed, and why rain and hail occur".
Flash, Crash, Rumble, and Roll. by Franklin Branley, Illus by True Kelley. (1999) 32 pages. Collins, (978-0064451796) Grades 2-4
With his expertise and her beautiful illustrations this pair make a great team at giving children the crash course of thunderstorms.
With his expertise and her beautiful illustrations this pair make a great team at giving children the crash course of thunderstorms.