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Notes for teachers

This project is intended to be completed after students have learned about water and weather. I use it as an end of the year project after we finish our Water & Weather unit.
Students complete some work independently and some work with a group - this project can easily be changed to be done completely independently or completely with a group

List of Materials

Computer with internet access

access to PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva, etc.
access to research websites such as Epic!, NatGeo Kids, PebbleGo, etc.

Severe Weather Research Packet
Severe Weather Project Rubric
optional: physical books about severe weather

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Standards

Arizona Science Standards:

4.E1U1.8 - Collect, analyze, and interpret data to explain weather and climate patterns.

4.E1U2.10 - Define problem(s) and design solution(s) to minimize the effects of natural hazards.

Arizona ELA Standards:

4.SL.4 - Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.

Standards

Arizona Educational Technology Standards:

Standard 1. Empowered Learner - Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving, and demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning sciences.

Standard 3. Knowledge Constructor - Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts, and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others.

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Objectives:

Today you will conduct research to collect, analyze, and interpret information about severe weather.

Today you will understand potential hazards and relevant safety precautions relating to severe weather.

Today you will present information about severe weather to classmates.

Today you will use digital tools to research, organize, and present information to fellow classmates.

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Agenda

Complete research packet (60ish minutes, or 1-2 days)
Create slideshow (90 minutes, or 2 days)
Rehearse slideshow (30 minutes)
Present slideshow to classmates (approximately 7 minutes per group)

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

You have been selected to use your understanding of weather and water to educate your peers about different types of severe weather! Your job is to conduct research in order to learn all there is to know about a specific type of severe weather, and then present that information to your classmates to help them understand each type of severe weather! Don’t forget to include information about how to stay safe during severe weather!

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Though students are working in groups, I have students conduct research independently using this outline.

Students can use Epic!, BookFlix, PebbleGo, NatGeo Kids, etc. to conduct research

Once students have completed their research, they will get into their groups and collaborate to design a slideshow to present their information. You can show students this example before they get to work. You can also create a template and share it with students in Google Classroom if they need scaffolding.
After students have filled in information on their slideshow, they should go back and add pictures, add transitions, change fonts, etc.
Students should spend time rehearsing and practicing their presentation.
FInally, students will present their slideshows containing their research findings to their classmates.

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Assessment

Assess students using the following rubric:

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Differentiation

Group lower students with peer models.

Provide sentence stems within slideshow template.

Provide sentence stems for speaking during presentations.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Students who need an extra challenge can design and build a safety kit (digitally or physically) for their type of severe weather.

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