Lesson Plan

Subject/Grade Level: Science/7th

Lesson Title: Weather

Lesson Duration: approximately 8 days; 50-55 minute classes daily

Performance Objective: Upon completion of this lesson, the students will be able to
create and present a weather forecast.

Preparation
Framework Strand: 4. Describe the properties and structure of the sun and the moon with
respect to the Earth.
Content Standard Competencies/Objectives: h. Predict weather events by analyzing
clouds, weather maps,
satellites, and various data. (DOK 3)
MS CCR/CCSS: RST.6-8.7
Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text
with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart,
diagram, model, graph, or table).
WHST.6-8.6
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and
present the relationships between information and ideas clearly and efficiently.
ISTE: 3. Model digital age work and learning
b. Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using
digital tools and resources to
support student success and innovation.
c. Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents,
and peers using a variety
of digital age media and formats.
d. Model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate,
analyze, evaluate, and
use information resources to support research and learning.
Instructional Aids:
Weather Powerpoint (will contain list of vocabulary words, example videos) which was
created by myself, Presentation rubric, ReadWorks.org reading passage
Materials Needed:
pencils, paper
Equipment Needed:
iPads/ChromeBooks, teacher computer, Mimeo Board/Projector, Internet connection,
PowerPoint program
Desired Student Prerequisites:
Prior reading assignment(s) on weather related topics (atmosphere, climate, weather)
Knowledge of researching on internet for specific information
[Course Subject]: [Lesson Title] Plan
Global Academic Essentials Teacher Institute 2016: MSU
1

Introduction/Anticipatory Set

Obtain prior knowledge: (this will be in the form of a whole class discussion)
o What do you know about weather?
o What do you think people who forecast weather are called?
o How do you think weather is forecast?
o What types of things are used to forecast weather?
Have students read, share, and discuss a related reading passage from
ReadWorks.org
Short video of a weather forecast
Lesson Outline/Procedures:
Introduction-probing, reading/sharing/discussing, video
Vocabulary-define words from list
Types of Clouds-discuss, observe, illustrate and describe,
research
Weather Maps-discuss, identify symbols and meanings
Satellites/tools used for forecasting-research
Weather Forecast-design, record, produce

Instructor Notes:

Application

Guided Practice:
Teacher will introduce lesson by probing students for prior knowledge (questions
listed above)
Teacher will give students a related reading passage to read, pair-share, and discuss
Teacher will show a weather forecasting video from a local TV station
Teacher will give students a list of vocabulary terms that they will define using
iPads/ChromeBooks
Teacher will lead students in discussion of what they know about clouds
Teacher will take students outside to observe, illustrate, and describe the clouds they
see
Teacher will instruct students to research the different types of clouds using
iPads/ChromeBooks and to label their observed clouds
Teacher will show students a weather map and ask if they can read it and what
symbols represent, then lead class discussions of true meanings of symbols
Teacher will discuss with students that meteorologists use various tools and satellite
images to forecast the weather
Teacher will allow students time to research various tools and images used by
meteorologists
Teacher will give and go over the rubric that will be used to grade the students on
their forecast presentation and check for misunderstanding
Teacher will present the assignment of creating a weather forecast
Independent Practice:
Students will share what they know about weather by writing what they know on
paper and sharing with the class
Students will individually read a passage on weather, then pair-share by sharing what
Students will individually or with a partner research the different types of clouds
using iPads/Chrome Books to go to NOAA.gov, weatherwizkids.com, or any other
Students will study a weather map with a partner, describe what they see and
participate in small group discussion of true meanings of symbols as they watch a
video that they received a link for in the PowerPoint
Students will discuss as a whole class the various tools and satellite images used by
meteorologists to forecast the weather
Students will research with a partner the various tools and images used by
meteorologists on the iPads/Chrome Books at various websites that students choose
and write the information on their paper
Students will follow along as teacher reads the rubric that will be used to grade them
[Course Subject]: [Lesson Title] Plan
Global Academic Essentials Teacher Institute 2016: MSU
2

on their forecast presentation and ask questions for any misunderstanding before
they get started.
Students will work in small groups of 3-4 to create, record, and present a weather
forecast to their classmates using any technology that they chose to work with
Summary

Lesson Closure:
What did you learn about weather and forecasting?
Students will write an exit ticket daily for what they learned that day, what
misunderstandings they may have, and/or what questions they may have
(anything that needs to be retaught according to responses will be taken care of first thing
the following day)
Evaluation
Informal Assessment/Review:
Monitoring of students throughout lessons
Definitions of vocabulary
Participation (discussions, research, activities)
Illustration and written description of observed clouds
Illustrations and written descriptions of clouds
Summary of tools and images used by meteorologists
Formal Assessment:
Group presentation of weather forecast

Lesson Extension
Extension/Enrichment:
Scavenger hunt on weather topics
Enrichment activities/virtual labs from Glencoe
Accommodations/Differentiation:
Extra time, tutoring (peer/teacher)
Remediation activities/tutorials from Glencoe
References:
Glencoe, WCBI.com, weatherwizkids.com, ReadWorks.org

[Course Subject]: [Lesson Title] Plan

Global Academic Essentials Teacher Institute 2016: MSU
3