Summer SAVY, Session 5 Day 3, “Water and Weather” (1st-2nd)
Today in our Water and Weather course, students explored the fascinating world of meteorology! We began our day by continuing our exploration and discussion of density, reinforcing what we learned through hands-on observations and thoughtful conversation. To conclude our exploration of water, students created a concept map as a post-assessment to demonstrate the knowledge and insights they’ve gained throughout the week.
Then, we revisited the traits of scientists by completing a Frayer Model – a graphic organizer that promotes critical thinking and helps deepen students’ understanding of key vocabulary – and thinking critically about how scientists observe, question, and investigate the world around them. Using the story The Crow and the Pitcher, students reflected on how curiosity and experimentation connect with scientific thinking. They then applied this understanding to a new focus, meteorologists, and began exploring the important work they do in helping us understand and predict weather. Students have really improved their discussions using the triangle engagement strategy, which is designed to foster more meaningful, focused, and active student discussions.
In the afternoon, students were introduced to the term meteorologist through a video message and an engaging video. We also examined the layers of the atmosphere, the “home” of weather. Then, we shifted our focus to how weather changes and why understanding these changes is crucial. Students reviewed weather forecasting and explored weather maps as a tool meteorologists use to track and predict weather patterns. They analyzed simulated weather maps and then created their own, practicing how to read symbols and interpret weather conditions across different regions with a partner.
Optional at-home connection:
Be sure to check your student’s backpack for a worksheet titled Comparing My Toys—a fun extension of our lesson on density that encourages students to apply their learning at home! Also, talk with your child about what a meteorologist does and watch a local weather forecast together. Listen for the word atmosphere and ask your student to share what they learned about it. Encourage them to identify any meteorologist job responsibilities that were mentioned on the broadcast but not discussed in class. Write down a few weather changes the meteorologist predicts and reflect on a time when a change in weather affected your own family’s plans. Lastly, take a moment to review any symbols shown during the forecast and ask your student to explain what they mean. Chances are, they’ll be excited to show you what they know!