Lesson Topic/Title: Weather Data    

Author: Sabrina Requena and Vanessa Meyer

Introduction: This lesson is used to introduce students to the Microsoft Excel program so they will feel more comfortably using different kinds of technology for other assignments.  

Content Area and Grade Level: 5th Grade Science 

    NE Science Standards: http://www.nde.state.ne.us/Issu/SCI/scienSTND.html

    8.1.2 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of evidence, models, and explanation.

    8.2.1 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop the abilities needed to do scientific inquiry.
    8.6.2 By the end of eighth grade, students will develop an understanding of science and technology.

    Integrated disciplines: Mathematics, Technology

Objectives:

Materials/Technologies: Weather Journals, Access to computers with Microsoft Excel

Procedures: 

    What teacher is to do: For about one week, have students collect weather information from three different cities in a weather journal.  Let one be the city they live in and the others whatever city they choose (preferably ones that have different climates).  Have them find the highs and lows for each city and the type of weather for each day.  After students have enough information, let them use Microsoft Excel to make a chart.  

    What students are to do: Students need to collect the data needed for their cities in their weather journal.  After they have enough information in their journals, they will need to use Microsoft Excel to make a chart to show what they have recorded.  

Closure: Have students print their graph and discuss the differences for each city.

Assessment: Each student will be assessed on the completion of weather journals and charts and discussion of recordings after charts are made.

Explanation: I think this lesson is very easy for any upper elementary student to do.  Students will have fun recording their data for each city since they get to choose the cities that interest them the most.  Letting the students have the decision will get them more motivated and involved in this activity since most students will choose a city that a friend or a relative lives in.  When the students record their data in Excel, they will understand that you can basically make a chart for any thing using that kind of computer program.  I used this lesson for Operation SMART and the girls were so excited to see the results of their charts.  They were really eager to ask and answer each other's questions.