The intent of this unit is for the student to have fun while learning some basics about weather and climate.
Because most students enjoy “hands-on” activities, the unit will address this interest by having them construct simple weather instruments as they learn about the weather element. The construction of the instrument will help the student understand and retain this knowledge about the element by learning the basic operating principle of the instrument.
For best results, use peer learning groups to perform this activity. This allows the students to interact and socialize with one another in a positive manner. It provides an opportunity for them to challenge and defend each other in performing certain activities and answering thought provoking questions.
The study of weather is a topic that is part of the New Haven’s eighth grade science curriculum and since the teaching of science is going in the direction of “hands-on” activities, this unit is addressing both of these interests.
The construction of the instruments is done several ways . One way is to have the students all make the instrument the same way. The way I would suggest that you perform the activity is to have different groups construct different varieties of the same instrument whenever possible. This will help reinforce the idea that there is more than one way to solve a problem The main focus of the construction activity will be to have the student explain how and why their instrument works.
