Observing Weather

David Tumbarello
NSTA Recommends
January 2012

 This DVD and teacher’s packet work together as a perfect complement to classroom textbooks or science kits devoted to weather. The short 12–minute video introduces students to observations that can be made about weather and the tools used to help us measure these observations. Students will learn about the thermometer, barometer, anemometer, and weather vane while observing the weather which can be measured with each device. The concepts in this module may be basic, but it cannot be assumed that every student in the class has seen a thermometer or any of the other measurement devices. The images and narration work together to present weather concepts in an appropriate, engaging manner for the young student. The video ends with a short quiz, which can be used interactively if the teacher presses pause and discusses each item before continuing to the next vocabulary item.

 

The teacher’s packet is very helpful and contains several components that will help the teacher and students. It includes the video script, a list of key vocabulary, a list of books for literature connections, a video worksheet, a vocabulary word find, and a matching activity regarding precipitation. Finally, the packet contains two multiple choice assessments—one which assesses prior knowledge and one that measures what was learned. Teachers should beware. The vocabulary in these assessments (i.e., meteorologists, precipitation, anemometer, plasma) will favor the skillful readers in the class. If you are looking for a well–presented, concise video about observing weather and the tools used by meteorologists, this will be an excellent choice.