2. In science, we have been learning about different ways to analyze weather charts/maps and ways to collect weather data to predict weather events and infer patterns and seasonal changes. One way to organize data is by using a table. In this lesson we will be learning about different ways to organize information so that it can be interpreted and communicated to others.
3. Part of using the scientific method involves deciding how to gather and record data, creating charts or graphs for your data, and analyzing data so you can draw conclusion and communicate your results. Today we are going to be learning about different graphs that can be used to study weather. You will each get a copy of the following handout:
4. Graph It! What are the types of Graphs? Directions: You can use several types of graphs to help you organize information. Use the following website to find out more about these graphs. http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/jeather/maths/dictionary.html Click on the first letter of the graph name. For example, click on “b” and it will show you a list of math terms beginning with the letter “b”. Then click on the type of graph and complete the following activities. Find “bar graph.” What is a bar graph used for? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Choose your own data and make your own bar graph. How many “blue” did you enter on your graph? ______ Find “line graph.” What is a line graph used for? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Use the line graph example to answer these questions. 1) What was the Spelling Test result for week 5? ______ 2) Were the results higher or lower by week 10? ______ Find “picture graph.” What is a picture graph used for? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Choose your own numbers and make a picture graph showing different eye colors. How many people have blue eyes on your graph? _______ Find “pie graph.” What is a pie graph used for? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Use the graph to answer these questions. What percentage of the sea creatures seen were turtles? _______ When you add all of the percentages together, what is the total? _______
5. You will use the website to find out more about the different kinds of graphs There are many resources you can use to make graphs. You can make your own using pencil and paper, you can use a program such as The Graph Club, or you can find Internet site that allow you to generate graphs. Using the LCD projector, I will demonstrate how to use the information gathered about our favorite color Skittle to create a graph at the National Center for Education Statistics Create a Graph website: http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/ We will create a bar graph and a circle graph
8. Websites such as this help us to organize and interpret information gathered. This make communicating our working easier. You will now have the opportunity to practice creating a graph on your on using the computer. You will be given a bag of M&M’s and you will make a hypothesis about what color you think there is the most of. You will use the handout “Graphing Candy” to record information found as well as answer some questions about the experiment. Once you have all your information you will use the internet to help you generate a graph to communicate the data you found. You will then share your graphs and finding with your classmates.
9. Now let’s look at the WTOC Savannah, Georgia Weather Data for 2009 WTOC Savannah, Georgia Weather Data for 2009 You will use this data to create a graph using the NCES website. Use your graph and data to analyze the information and answer the question on the “Graphing Weather Data” handout.
10. Over the past 2 weeks you have been collecting weather data of your own. You will now be using that data to create graphs. You will use your graphs to analyze your weather data. You should be able to identify patterns of change and make predictions about future weather patterns using the graphs. Once you have all your information organized you may find a computer and start creating graphs. We will the share our graphs with each other once finished.
11. Organizing this data in a graph just like you did, makes it easier to understand. Today we learned about bar graph, circle graph, line graph, and picture graph. Any of these are great ways to present information gathered. There’s one question that still remains: how can we take our analysis further? In what ways could we take our organized information and share it with parents or other students? How could we present our graphs so that we can communicate it with others? Some ideas may included: posters, tri-boards, Power Points, research paper, etc…
12. Performance Task: The PowerPoint Project: You will work with a partner to create a PowerPoint using one type of weather data (temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind speed, barometric pressure, etc…) You will then, create and insert tables and graphs into their slideshows. Taking the role as Meteorologists', students will present the PowerPoint Presentations to the class.
