Keeping a Daily Weather Log

Recommended Age: Later Elementary

This lesson developed by Mark Palmer from CAPS

How can I study the weather?

Objectives

• Weather data (like any scientific data) must be gathered in a consistent manner.

Principles:

• Useful weather data is gathered and recorded in exactly the same manner each day.

Skills:

• Making Observations
• Making Measurements
• Recording Data
• Organizing Data
• Replicating Procedures
• Using Numbers
• Making Decisions
• Controlling Variables

Materials

PART 1: Creating a Daily Weather Log

1. Handout
2. Construction Paper
3. Plain White Paper
4. Yarn or String
5. Scissors
6. Crayons or Markers
7. Hole Punch

PART 2: Recording Data

1. The student's Daily Weather Log
2. Space for the teacher to display the daily weather observations on a chart or blackboard

Room Preparation

No special needs.

Safety Precautions

Handle scissors and all other sharp items with care!

1. Students will create their own daily log books for recording and keeping track of the weather.

2. One of the most important jobs a meteorologist does is to observe and record the local weather at the station. This record is important for recognizing local climate trends and forecasting. If the log is to be useful, it is necessary to gather the data in exactly the same manner each day. The guidelines for this will be established in the next activity.
   
   
3. A weather log should include the following items: temperature, dewpoint, barometric pressure, wind speed and direction, 24-hour precipitation total, current weather, and clouds. You might also wish to include relative humidity, monthly and/or annual precipitation totals or pollution information (if available in your area), or anything else you feel is appropriate for your needs. If you take more than one reading a day, be sure to add a column for time.

Activity

1. Determine how many days your students will be keeping their logs and make the appropriate number of copies of the included daily log page or one you design. Trim or white out the Web links at the bottom before reproducing, two to a page in landscape orientation. Leave extra room on the left for binding. Cut (or fold) log pages in half before constructing logbook.
   
   
2. Give each student one sheet of construction paper. Have students fold it in half across the width and decorate the outside with crayons, markers, stickers, etc.
   
   
3. Give each student the appropriate number of insert pages.
   
   
4. Show students how to place pages inside the cover, making sure they are lined up straight and up against the fold.
   
   
5. Have students punch 2 or 3 holes about 1/4" in from the spine.
   
   
6. Have students thread a piece of yarn through each hole in their logs and tie in a bow.

Note to the teacher: This design allows you to add extra pages later on. If this option is not desired, you may wish to staple the books together instead.

PART 2: Recording Data

Introduction

1. As was mentioned in the previous activity, you will need to make your observations in a uniform manner if they are to be useful. One observation a day is enough for our purposes, but you may do it more often if you wish. Be sure to take your reading at the same time every day. Day-to-day fluctuations in the weather get lost in the "noise" if you vary your time from day to day. (Noise is the fluctuations in the data caused by variables or sources you aren't interested in. For example, temperature is usually lowest in the morning and highest in the afternoon.
   
   
2. It is also important to take your readings in the same location each day. An open grassy area is ideal but not essential. Wind measurements should be taken away from trees and buildings. Thermometers should not be placed in direct sun. The barometer can be kept and read in the classroom.
   
   
3. Once the students have learned to use the instruments and to make their measurements, you may wish to assign them the task of making the observations and measurements and reporting to the rest of the class.

Activity

1. Teacher
   • Record the daily weather in a convenient place for all students, such as on the chalkboard.
2. Student
   • Copy down the day's weather readings into your log book each day.
   • Keep your eyes open for trends and changes in the weather. This information will prove important to you later on as you begin to make forecasts.

Evaluation

1. Have students share how they are going to use their Daily Weather Logs to help them study the weather.
   
   
2. Listen for evidence that they understand:
   • Weather data must be gathered in a consistent way.
   • Observations and information must be recorded neatly and accurately.

Careers Related to the Lesson Topic

• Aerospace Engineer
  • Tour - Aerospace Labs and Wind Tunnels
• Anyone with a Job Outdoors
• Environmentalist
  • Career Presentation - Lynda Asher
• Environmental Engineer
• Farmer
• Meteorologist
  • Tour, Weather Underground at University of Michigan's Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences
• Naval Science & Engineering
  • Career Presentation: Mike Riordan
• Pilot
  • Tour - Yankee Air Museum
  • Job Shadowing, Pilot, Flight Instructor - Burt Lamkin
• TV or Radio Weather Reporter

Barometric Pressure

The pressure of the atmosphere usually expressed in terms of the height of a column of mercury.

Clouds

Condensation of water vapor around small particles of dust and smoke in the air.

Dewpoint

The temperature at which water vapor begins to condense.

Precipitation

The quantity of water deposited on the earth in the form of hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow.

Relative Humidity

The ratio of the amount of water vapor actually present in the air to the greatest amount possible at that temperature.

Weather

The state of the atmosphere and conditions, such as dry or wet, cold or hot, stormy or calm, cloudy or clear.

Wind Speed and Direction

Wind is a natural movement of air of any velocity. Wind direction is the compass direction it is moving from.

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