How Can We Be Ready for Weather?
How Can We Be Ready for the Weather? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of kindergarten earth and space and physical science standards. In this module, students:
- Use models to carry out investigations and determine the causes of weather phenomena
- Use observations to construct evidence-based explanations of weather-related phenomena caused by different combinations of weather variables (e.g., wind, precipitation, sunlight, and temperature)
- Record and analyze data to identify patterns of the variability in temperature, precipitation, sunlight, and weather-related hazards associated with particular locations and times
- Develop questions based on weather forecast data to anticipate potential problems storms may cause for objects and living things
- Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information from multiple sources to develop plans to mitigate weather-related risks of injury and damage to humans and property
Below are digital resources that support teaching of this module.
Family Letter
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Prior to starting How Can We Be Ready for the Weather? share the Family Letter with students’ caregivers. Indicate how they should submit responses to the letter.
Ada Asks Introduction (0:33)
This video introduces students to a natural phenomenon that drives Lessons 1-3. Closed captioning is available in the YouTube version by clicking the “CC” icon.
Watch on YouTube
Wet on One Side
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This file shows an image of a pole that is wet on one side and dry on the other.
Types of Rainy Weather
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This file shows two images of precipitation.
Types of Sunny Weather
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This file shows two images of sunny weather.
Types of Windy Weather
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This file shows two images of windy weather.
Lesson 3 Materials Set 1
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This file shows an image of the materials included in the first wave of materials distributed from the materials center.
Lesson 3 Materials Set 2
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This file shows an image of the materials included in the second wave of materials distributed from the materials center.
Modern Art
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This file shows a series three images used in the Lesson 3 extension.
Ada Asks Melting Snowman (4:06)
This video contains the phenomenon that drives Lessons 4-7. Closed captioning is available in the YouTube version by clicking the “CC” icon.
Watch on YouTube
Snowflakes
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This file contains a series of 4 microphotographs of snowflakes for use in the Lesson 4 extension.
Weather Scene Cards
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This file contains a series of 4 digital cards containing weather scenes.
Preparing for the Weather Card Game Rules
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This file contains the rules for playing the Preparing for the Weather card game.
Weather Activities
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This file contains images from the Smithsonian collection that are used in the Lesson 5 extension.
Predicting with Patterns
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This file contains a pdf file of a pattern-solving worksheet.
Predicting Patterns
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This file contains an image of a pattern for use in a whole class discussion.
Melting in the Sun (0:15)
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This file contains a video of icicles melting in the sun.
Melting Ice Time-lapse (2:18)
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This video shows how ice under a lamp and ice not under a lamp change over time.
Temperature Words Writing Practice
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This file contains a pdf writing practice worksheet.
Ada Asks Letter
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This file shows a letter from Ada inviting friends to spend a day in her tree house.
Thunderstorm (0:10 minutes)
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This video shows a thunderstorm with thunder and lightning. You will need speakers for this video.
Hurricane (0:25 minutes)
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This video shows a hurricane with high winds and rain.
Tornado (0:06 minutes)
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This video shows a tornado.
Blizzard (0:10 minutes)
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This video shows people trying to walk in a blizzard.
Storm Smart
https://ssec.si.edu/storm-smart
This simulation shows the hazards associated with different types of storms and provides options for how someone could prepare for each storm. Storm Smart is available as a website.
Lesson 9 Materials
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This file contains an image showing the material set up of one station.
Ada Asks Science Challenge (0:27)
This file contains a video that introduces the challenge of helping Ada prepare for a hiking trip. Closed captioning is available in the YouTube version by clicking the “CC” icon.
Watch on YouTube
SERC Weather Worksheets A and B
Download Worksheet A PDF
Download Worksheet B PDF
This file contains the pdf worksheet that supports the Lesson 10 extension.
Explore SERC
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This file contains a video compilation of several locations at SERC.
River Seining at SERC (5:00)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvEvYThe4lw&feature=youtu.be
This video is used in the Lesson 10 extension in which a marine biologist teaches about river seining.
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