Weather and Climate: 3rd Grade Science Guide (TN Standards)

Weather Patterns & Climate

3rd Grade Science | TN Standards 3.ESS2

DO NOW: Look at the image on the screen. In your notebook, write down 3 words to describe the weather you see. Is it hot? Cold? Windy?

TEACHER SCRIPT (Start Strong): 'Pencils in hand in 3, 2, 1. Zero voices. Eyes on the Do Now. You have 2 minutes to describe the weather in this picture. Go.' [Timer sets tone of urgency].

TN Standard 3.ESS2.2 & 3.ESS2.3

Today's Mission

I can use tools to measure specific weather data and explain the difference between today's weather and our region's climate.

TEACHER SCRIPT (Call and Response): 'Class, eyes on me.' [Wait for silence]. 'Read the mission with me. I can use tools...' [Class reads]. 'Excellent. By the end of today, you will be weather experts.'

Weather vs. Climate

WEATHER is what is happening right now. (Example: It is raining today.)

CLIMATE is the pattern over a long time. (Example: Tennessee has hot summers.)

TEACHER SCRIPT (Turn and Talk): 'Here is the rule: Weather is your outfit. Climate is your closet. Turn to your partner. Tell them: Is a thunderstorm today weather or climate? Why? You have 30 seconds. Go!'

Tools of the Trade (3.ESS2.3)

Thermometer: Measures Temperature (Hot/Cold)

Rain Gauge: Measures Precipitation (Water)

Anemometer: Measures Wind Speed

Wind Vane: Measures Wind Direction

TEACHER SCRIPT (Cold Call): 'Track the board. I will point to a tool description. When I call your name, tell me which picture matches it.' [Wait time]. '[Student Name], which tool measures how fast the wind is moving?'

Monthly Rainfall in Nashville, TN

TEACHER SCRIPT (Check for Understanding): 'Raise your hand if you can see the month of May. Good. Hands down. On your micro-whiteboards, write the number of inches of rain Nashville gets in May. Hold it up in 3... 2... 1... Show me.'

Reading the Clouds (3.ESS2.2)

CUMULUS: Fluffy, white. Means fair weather.

CUMULONIMBUS: Dark, tall. Means storms/tornadoes!

TEACHER SCRIPT (Narrate the Positive): 'I see lots of pencils writing down these definitions. Good job, table 3. Remember: Cumulus are friendly. Nimbus means rain or storm. Which one would you want to see at recess?'

Climate Zones (3.ESS2.4)

Tennessee is in the TEMPERATE zone.

• We have 4 distinct seasons.

• Summers are hot, Winters are cool.

TEACHER SCRIPT (Choral Response): 'Class, point to Tennessee on the map.' [Pause]. 'What zone are we in? Everyone say it together: TEMPERATE.' 'Temperate means medium—not too hot like the desert, not too cold like the poles.'

Seasons & Sunlight

In Summer, the sun is higher in the sky and days are longer. This makes the Tennessee air warmer.

TEACHER SCRIPT (Cold Call): 'Look at the line graph. It goes up and then down. I am going to call on someone to tell me which season has the highest peak.' [Pause 5s]. '[Name], what season is hottest?'

Severe Weather Safety in Tennessee

THUNDERSTORMS: Go indoors immediately. "When thunder roars, go indoors!"

TORNADO: Go to a room with no windows (hallway or bathroom). Crouch low and cover your head.

TEACHER SCRIPT (Active Practice): 'We are going to practice the position shown in the picture. When I say GO, stand up and show me the Tuck and Cover position next to your desk. 3, 2, 1, GO!' [Monitor and correct].

EXIT TICKET

1. What is the difference between weather and climate?

2. Which tool would you use to measure how hot it is outside?

3. True or False: If you hear thunder, it is safe to stay outside under a tree.

TEACHER SCRIPT(No Opt Out): 'You have 4 minutes. Complete these 3 questions on your slip. Silence starts now. If you finish early, flip your paper over and wait.'