Weather C.E.U. - 3rd Grade
1. First we took a close look at a weather flowchart, defining it as a SYSTEM. We then identified particular items on the flowchart as specific parts of a system.
2. If were were to become weather experts, the first thing we needed to do was get outside to observe the actual weather using all senses.
2. At home, we looked for current news regarding the weather, and we used the articles to write summaries of what we read.
3. We learned about the earliest tool for measuring the wind - the Beaufort Scale. Then we made our own Beaufort Scale and used it each day to log the day's weather.
4. We got really good at observing the various aspects of the weather, including the clouds, to record accurate information on our weather log.
5. When it was time to learn about more EXTREME weather conditions, we watched a classic weather bulletin news clip and then worked in groups to make predictions about which conditions matched which weather event.
6. Then we worked in groups to research a chosen extreme weather event.
7. We examined the main parts of a real extreme weather bulletin and then used our research to compose National Weather Service bulletins ourselves.
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9. Speaking of extreme weather, it was time to get to know the impact of a hurricane a little better. Each group was given materials, and we first brainstormed how we would use the materials to design a hurricane-proof tower. This was the start of the engineering design process.
10. Construction time! It was fun to put the materials together based on our planned designs.
11. Once our towers were complete, it was time to test them against "hurricane force winds." We learned something about design as we watched what happened.
12. Our final assignment was to research the aspects of a house that would make it more resistant to hurricane winds. Then we designed and built our OWN hurricane-proof houses. Check them out!
13. Time to put them to the test with even harsher hurricane winds - THE BIG FAN!!! It turns out that our research helped us to construct solid houses with features that kept our houses from getting blown away.
14. In the end, we got to have a Weather Expo with the whole third grade. We got to share our hurricane-proof houses, and we also got to examine strategies for protecting a town against a flood. It was fun to show of our work and admire the work of others.