I. Curricular Framework

Concept:

Predictions

Essential Question:

How did the early folklore stories compare to modern methods of forecasting weather?

Bridge:

Classification

Content:

Concepts of Weather Forecasting

Outcomes:

II. Standards Aligned

III. Instruction and Assessment

1. Connect: Connecting to the Concept Experientially

Objective: To hook students into thinking about weather forecasting folklore.

Activity: Teacher reads excepts from Pioneer Superstitions, "Weather Signs" section, as students listen to weather sounds tape. Assigns collection of weather lore sayings from relatives, neighbors, friends.

Assessment: Reaction of students.

2. Attend: Attending to the Connection

Objective: To hook students into thinking about weather forecasting folklore.

Activity: Teacher reads excepts from Pioneer Superstitions, "Weather Signs" section, as students listen to weather sounds tape. Assigns collection of weather lore sayings from relatives, neighbors, friends.

Assessment: Reaction of students.

Assessment, Phase One, Level of Engagement, Fascination:

3. Image: Creating a Mental Picture

Objective: To classify information on list.

Activity: Students divide folklore sayings and place on murals, according to different kinds of weather, in coop groups.

Assessment: Quality of group murals.

Assessment, Phase Two, Seeing the Big Picture:

4. Inform: Receiving Facts & Knowledge

Objective: To teach concept of weather forecasting.

Activity: Read and discuss text section on weather forecasting.

Assessment: Participation of students in discussion.

Assessment, Phase Three, Success with Acquiring Knowledge:

5. Practice: Developing Skills

Objective: To reinforce concept just taught.

Activity: Worksheets on weather forecasting terms and weather maps.

Assessment: Quality of responses on worksheets.

Assessment, Phase Four, Success with Acquiring Skills:

6. Extend: Extending Learning to the Outside World

Objective: To extend learning.

Activity: Students choose weather projects:

1. In a group, read an almanac and make a calendar for the next month which reflects the weather forecast in the almanac.

2. Research and write a report on weather forecasting, past or present.

3. Watch the evening weather forecast for five evenings. Make a chart to show how accurate the forecasts were.

4. Be a t.v. weather forecaster. Make weather maps, backgrounds, use music, sound effects to enhance your performance.

Assessment: Participation of students.

7. Refine: Refining the Extension

Objective: To evaluate student projects.

Activity: Students present projects to class for critiquing and editing.

Assessment: Quality of projects.

8. Perform: Creative Manifestation of Material Learned

Objective: To share and celebrate projects.

Activity: Invite other fourth grade classes to experience projects.

Assessment: Enjoyment of activity.

Assessment, Phase Five,Performance, Creative Use of Material Learned: