Fluid Streams Affecting Weather Lesson Overview
The student will complete a series of stations in order to explain how jet streams and ocean currents influence local weather. Students will rotate through six stations in order to gain background knowledge about jet streams and ocean currents. The students will also answer questions at each station to elaborate their understanding of jet streams and ocean currents and how they affect local weather. After the stations are completed, the teacher will lead a whole group discussion to connect the student’s learning to the big ideas of the lesson.
Resources
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| Duration 5 days |
Setting Classroom |
Grouping 3-4 students |
PTI Inquiry 1.3, 2.1, 3.1, 3.3, 3.6, 3.7, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.9, 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2 |
| Lesson Components | Time | Inquiry Skills | Tech. Used | Engage Level | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engage | 5-10 min (Day 1) | 1.3, 2.1, 3.1, 3.6, 4.3, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2 | Fan or Hair Dryer | 3 | Students will watch a volunteer and the teacher demonstrate how the airflow of a concentrated air source affects the velocity of a paper/balsa airplane. |
| Explore | 90 min (Day 1-4) | 3.3, 3.6, 3.7, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.9 | Computer, iPad, Laptop | 3 | Students will explore how global patterns such as jet stream and ocean currents influence local weather through investigations at 6 stations. |
| Explain | 90 min (Day 1-4) | 3.3, 3.6, 3.7, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.9 | Computer, iPad, Laptop | 3 | Students will explain how global patterns such as jet stream and ocean currents influence local weather. |
| Expand | 15 min (Day 5) | 5.2, 5.3 | none | 3 | Students will broaden their knowledge through a whole group discussion applying their learning from the stations. |
| Evaluate | 20 min (Day 5) | 7.1, 7.2 | none | 2 | Students will apply their knowledge from their learning journey to a formal evaluation. |
Level of Student Engagement
| 1 | Low | Listen to lecture, observe the teacher, individual reading, teacher demonstration, teacher-centered instruction |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Medium | Raise questions, lecture with discussion, record data, make predictions, technology interaction with assistance |
| 3 | High | Hands-on activity or inquiry; critique others, draw conclusions, make connections, problem-solve, student-centered |
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