Lesson Plan #:AELP-MET0013

Measuring the Weather

An Educator's Reference Desk Lesson Plan

Submitted by: Cynthia Rotchadl
Endorsed By: Don Descy
Mankato State University

Date: February 25, 1997

Grade Level(s): 5, 6

Subject(s):

DESCRIPTION:

Students will learn various elements of weather. These elements will include the types of weather that exist and the various methods that are used to measure them. Along with learning about the various types of weather and the ways that they are measured students will also learn how to build a workable rain gauge. After building the rain gauge the students will then calculate the amount of rain fall in one month.

GOAL:

Students will understand the various methods used to measure the various elements of weather.

OBJECTIVE:

  1. The student will list three methods in which rain, wind, and snow can be measured.
  2. The student will explain two reasons why the sun index is so important.
  3. The student will be able to construct a rain gauge.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

This activity can be used in any 5-6 grade class. It is best if it is used during a rainy season, which ever months those may be. An important note is that this lesson describes how to build only a rain gauge, therefore rain in the forecast is highly desired.

CONCEPTS:

Students will be able to :

  1. Relate weather conditions to certain characteristics.
  2. Be able to identify the measuring device to the the type of weather that it measures.

MATERIALS:

  1. Marbles
  2. Ruler
  3. Plastic bottle
  4. Scissors
  5. Colored tape
  6. Water
  7. graphing paper

PROCEDURE:

  1. Ask students how much rain they think falls in a light shower? How much in a heavy downpour?
  2. Give students directions on how to make a Rain Catcher.
    1. Have students cut the top off the bottle where the width is the same base.
    2. Stick thin strips of tape on the side of the bottle. These are your scale.
    3. Put some marbles in the bottom of the bottle. Turn the top upside down and tape it inside the bottle.
    4. Pour water into the bottle until it reaches the bottom strip on the scale. This is your rain gauge.
    5. Put your rain gauge outside before a rainstorm. After the rain stops, see how high the water has risen.
    6. Recording the rain. After a moth of adding any rain that has been collected in the gauge construct a class graph.

ASSESSMENT:

After the students have constructed the rain gauges, collected the data, and constructed the class graph allow them time to discuss their findings. Ask the students why these rain gauges are appropriate for measuring the amount of rainfall in one month.