Return to: MASER Homepage | Elementary Table | Middle School Table | High School Table | General Sites |3. ATMOSPHERE AND WEATHER
Elementary Benchmark 1 "Describe weather conditions."
Benchmark 2 "Describe seasonal changes in weather."
- Climate and Weather - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.E.1) New
- Student interactive site. Includes average weather conditions, regular weather sequences for spring, summer, fall and winter.
- Clouds and Precipitation - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.E.1)
- Outstanding - A great informational site for upper elementary students. It introduces cloud classifications, different types of precipitation and the mechanisms responsible for producing them.
- Doppler Radar is a Key Forecasting Tool - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.E.1) New
- Teacher resource with various links that can be adapted for classroom use for upper elementary. Find out how the doppler effect is used to read the weather, and how it can be used in short term weather prediction. Number of links for additional texts. Refers to USA Today Weather Book.
- Weather Here and There - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.E.1&2)
- This excellent resource that includes procedures for weather observations and guidelines for forecasting, using appropriate instruments and maps to help students apply their knowledge and experiences about weather to associate weather trends and patterns in the process of making accurate forecasts. An excellent teacher unit. An integrated weather site which incorporates interaction with the Internet and hands-on collaboratiive, problem-solving activities for students in grades four through six.
- Global Change - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.E.1)
- Weather is a result of changing atmosphere conditions. The students will identify the types of weather indicated by three major cloud types during the seasons of the year. This site is for teacher's use.
- Make Your Own Weather Station - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.E.1&2)
- This site provides students with the opportunity to follow directions to make their very own weather station. The site gives step by step directions for students to make a rain gauge, compass, barometer, hygrometer, weather vane and weather journal. The site provides students with a link to Franklin's Forecast to find other weather activities and curriculum links.
- Musical Meteorology: A Musical Guide to the Atmosphere - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.E.1&2)
- This site contains excerpts of songs form 'Weather Dude: A Musical Guide to the Atmosphere", a ten song, cassette, 146 page book by Nick Walter. You can download audio clips and you can order the cassette by mail or e-mail.
- Regional Climates - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.E.1)
- This hands-on activity allows students to relate to and understand maps and to learn about climates in other areas. Using a bulletin board map of the U.S. they will study the various climates of the U.S.
- Teacher's Net Lesson Exchange #21. Weather Thematic Unit - Atmosphere & Weather (V.1.E.1)
- This unit is written for 4th and 5th grade. However, it can easily be adapted for use with younger students. It is full of ideas and resources for studying weather through the use of listening, reading, writing, and sharing. Excellent resources on trade books and videos.
Benchmark 3 "Explain appropriate safety precautions during severe weather."
- A Globe Activity - Seasonal Changes - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.E.2)
- This is a teacher lesson plan designed to help children understand and explore characteristics of different seasons. It explores adaptations that humans, animals, and plants make to seasonal changes. It also provides a wonderful extension activity.
- Weather Here and There - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.E.1&2)
- This excellent resource that includes procedures for weather observations and guidelines for forecasting, using appropriate instruments and maps to help students apply their knowledge and experiences about weather to associate weather trends and patterns in the process of making accurate forecasts. An excellent teacher unit. An integrated weather site which incorporates interaction with the Internet and hands-on collaboratiive, problem-solving activities for students in grades four through six.
- Make Your Own Weather Station - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.E.1&2)
- This site provides students with the opportunity to follow directions to make their very own weather station. The site gives step by step directions for students to make a rain gauge, compass, barometer, hygrometer, weather vane and weather journal. The site provides students with a link to Franklin's Forecast to find other weather activities and curriculum links.
- Musical Meteorology: A Musical Guide to the Atmosphere - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.E.1&2)
- This site contains excerpts of songs form 'Weather Dude: A Musical Guide to the Atmosphere", a ten song, cassette, 146 page book by Nick Walter. You can download audio clips and you can order the cassette by mail or e-mail.
- The Weather Channel - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.E.2)
- This is a useful site for gathering, collecting, and analyzing past, present, or future weather data. It can be used successfully for weather around the globe by simply entering your zip code on the site.
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- Kids' Lightning Information and Safety - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.E.3)
- This site provides a child's view of lightning, safety rules and stories; with links to other safety sites. All text and images (art work and photographic) on this web site are copyrighted. E-mail them regarding permission to use.
- Owlie Skywarn - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.E.3)
- Outstanding - Owlie Skywarn is the official mascot of the National Weather Service. He teaches about the hazards of severe weather and appropriate safety precautions. Students can learn about proper safety by reading through the activity.
Benchmark 1 "Explain patterns of changing weather and how they are measured."
Benchmark 2 "Describe the composition and characteristics of the atmosphere."
- Earthwatch: Weather on Demand - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1)
- The first 3D weather web site giving you continuous updated satellite, radar, and forecasts. Storm Watch severe weather watches, warnings & advisories update every 10 minutes.
- GLOBE Atmosphere Investigation - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1&2)
- The GLOBE Atmosphere Investigation involves the regular monitoring of several parameters, including: cloud type, cloud cover, precipitation, current temperature, and maximum and minimum temperatures. GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) is an international program where your students can join students from around the world in monitoring their local environment. Students can then submit their findings to a growing database on the Internet. Scientists and other students can access the data for research about the global environment. All protocols for the activities are described, although to become an offical Globe site, teachers must also attend an official GLOBE training session. Information on training sessions can be obtained on the GLOBE site: http://www.globe.gov/
- Hurricane - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1)
- World Book editors have assembled a comprehensive look at hurricanes from information found in the World Book. There are also numerous links to other World Wide Web sites concerned with hurricanes. Worldbook Encyclopedia.
- Hurricanes and Weather at NOAA - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1)
- This site gives extensive information about hurricanes. You can get current storm information, forecasting, hurricane history, and general information. This is a very informative site and a great resource.
- Live Weather Images - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1)
- Hurricane.weathercent.com is a comprehensive hurricane and tropical weather web site from Tampa Bay Online. The site includes preparation guides, historical information, breaking storm tracks, and the site lists a multitude of links. Links are an interactive and include: "Weather Quiz" which has a multitude of student oriented "trivial pursuit" type questions.
- Meteorology: Does Weather Happen Randomly? -Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1)
- This site asks the question "Does weather happen randomly or are there weather patterns that are recognizable?" Text is large and easy to read. Hyperlinks written as questions lead to various scientific investigations on weather. If clicked, the phrase "please read these suggestions" tells the scientific skills involved in the investigations. A satellite radar image from Purdue University is included as are various weather maps and weather pictures within the link. A teacher could ask a student to find out what is the current air temperature, dewpoint and also current heat index. (Active research and base understanding found all in one site.)
- Nature's Greatest Storms NOAA - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1)
- This site maintains a continuous watch on tropical cyclones over the Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Pacific from May 15 through November 30.
- The Hurricane Hunters - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1)
- This site contains many links and interactive activities. Some examples are: Cyberflight Into the Eye; Latest Aircraft Reports; How to Interpret Reports; NEW! Photos; Movies; Events and PA; Media Tips; Fact Sheets; FAQs; Jobs; Missions; Homework Help; History & Aircraft; Reunion!; Past seasons; Links; Stories; and Ask a Hurricane Hunter. This site also has a career section which stresses what students need to do academically to pursue any of the careers listed at this site.
- The University of Michigan: Weather Underground - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1)
- This site contains lots of K-12 weather curriculum. Includes topics on weather, such as: Hurricanes, observing and forecasting, kids as global scientists. Site contains lesson plans, student activities, experiments.
- Think Quest Weather Library - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1) New
- Outstanding - This site offers weather recipes explaining why weather patterns occur and has links that are easily accessed and of value. A number of fiction and non-fiction books relating to weather topics are suggested. Students are offered opportunities to read and write weather stories.
- USA Today Hurricanes - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1)
- This site contains tropical weather outlooks. Also information on tropical news on hurricane names and information as well as information on past storms.
- Weather One - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1,2&3) New
- Six weather topics are explained in detail and followed by an activity/experiment. Topics include: Seasons, clouds, sea air, wind, global warming, and storms. Teachers are offered worksheets on weather topics for student use.
- You and Your Environment - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1,2,3&4) New
- This site is about animals, plants, water, air, and the student's environment around them. The site has general information along with activities for students.
Benchmark 3 "Explain the behavior of water in the atmosphere."
- Brainpop Atmosphere - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.2)
- Upper Elementary & Lower Middle - This site contains an animated movie about the components in the atmosphere. When students are finished watching the movie they can take a quiz to see how much they remember from the movie. Various related facts pop up during the movie to read. There are other links to jump into related to each specific subjects such as an activity page, experimenting with Bob, and a timeline. Click on the "Atmosphere" movie. Students are limited by this site to only watch five movies per day.
- GLOBE Atmosphere Investigation - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1&2)
- The GLOBE Atmosphere Investigation involves the regular monitoring of several parameters, including: cloud type, cloud cover, precipitation, current temperature, and maximum and minimum temperatures. GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) is an international program where your students can join students from around the world in monitoring their local environment. Students can then submit their findings to a growing database on the Internet. Scientists and other students can access the data for research about the global environment. All protocols for the activities are described, although to become an offical Globe site, teachers must also attend an official GLOBE training session. Information on training sessions can be obtained on the GLOBE site: http://www.globe.gov/
- Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.2&4)
- This site, by York University, describes atmospheric chemistry (what atmosphere is composed of) and the job of an atmospheric chemist. Topics included are: What is Atmospheric Chemistry, Photochemical Smog/Tropospheric Ozone, Global Warming, Stratospheric Ozone Depletion, Acidic Deposition, and Toxic Air Pollutants. This site is a place where teachers will be able to gain knowledge necessary for lessons. Each topic includes hyperlinks which may be appropriate for children.
- Live Weather Images - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.2)
- This site contains many links and interactive activities. General current weather, regional images, forecast maps, seismic activity, water data, doppler radar, interactive page to calculate, sunrise,sunset, wind chill, etc., and U.S. data by state.
- Sky - Geography 4 Kids - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.2) New
- This informative website covers the basics of the atmosphere. Links are included that explain its composition and its characteristics in more detail. Key terms are reviewed at the bottom of each page.
- The Weather Report - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.2) New
- This site offers a great deal of information on our atmosphere and its characteristics. Projects are set up for creating a barometer, rain gauge, anemometer, and a rainbow. An interactive link tests students knowledge in multiple choice format. There are links that take you to well known weather sites.
- The Weather World 2010 Project - Meteorology - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.2)
- This site is a great weather resource, including explanations, animations, student activity sheets, and teacher answer guides.
- Weather Dude - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.2) New
- Outstanding - This fun site offers teachers of middle school students a variety of lessons and activities. Numerous links will lead the user to valuable sites that touch on other benchmarks. In addition to general information, special topics on weather include art, music, and blank maps.
- Weather One - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1,2&3) New
- Six weather topics are explained in detail and followed by an activity/experiment. Topics include: Seasons, clouds, sea air, wind, global warming, and storms. Teachers are offered worksheets on weather topics for student use.
- You and Your Environment - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1,2,3&4) New
- This site is about animals, plants, water, air, and the student's environment around them. The site has general information along with activities for students.
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- Follow a Drip Through The Water Cycle - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.3)
- This site has great information on the water cycle, including diagrams.
- The Water Cycle - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.3)
- This site describes the water cycle beginning with the various forms that water can take. It provides a good definition of terms related to the water cycle. A large color graphic illustrates the water cycle. This site is concise and to the point. Excellent site with an "Earth Science Explorer", that can be used by teachers and students to find other information.
- The Water Cycle -Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.3)
- This site describes a lesson in which the teacher directs students in the construction of terrariums. After construction the lesson continues through observation of the weather in the terrariums and is followed up by discussion of the water cycle and the weather within the environment of the terrarium.
- Weather Activities - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.3)
- Activities that come from the Franklin Institute. Students are taught how to build classroom tornadoes, a blue sky or a lightning exhibit. There are serveral other links to other Earth Science web sites.
- Weather One - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1,2&3) New
- Six weather topics are explained in detail and followed by an activity/experiment. Topics include: Seasons, clouds, sea air, wind, global warming, and storms. Teachers are offered worksheets on weather topics for student use.
- You and Your Environment - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1,2,3&4) New
- This site is about animals, plants, water, air, and the student's environment around them. The site has general information along with activities for students.
- Benchmark 4 "Describe health effects of polluted air.
- Air Quality Index in Michigan - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.4) New
- This website has up-to-date measurements of the air quality in selected sites in Michigan. It also contains a link to a fact sheet about air quality and a chart on health effects.
- Indoor Air Pollution - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.4) New
- This site offers information on sources of indoor air pollution. After reading about each source, students can play hangman to reinforce new vocabulary.
- Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.2&4)
- This site, by York University, describes atmospheric chemistry (what atmosphere is composed of) and the job of an atmospheric chemist. Topics included are: What is Atmospheric Chemistry, Photochemical Smog/Tropospheric Ozone, Global Warming, Stratospheric Ozone Depletion, Acidic Deposition, and Toxic Air Pollutants. This site is a place where teachers will be able to gain knowledge necessary for lessons. Each topic includes hyperlinks which may be appropriate for children.
- Our Children's Earth - Health Effects of Air Pollution - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.4)New
- This is a very concise guide on air pollution and how it affects humans. There is a very well-organized chart that summarizes the pollutants, their sources, and health effects.
- You and Your Environment - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.MS.1,2,3&4) New
- This site is about animals, plants, water, air, and the student's environment around them. The site has general information along with activities for students.
Benchmark 1 "Explain how interactions of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere create climates and how climates change over time."
Benchmark 2 "Describe patterns of air movement in the atmosphere and how they affect weather conditions."
- Brainpop Atmosphere - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.1)
- This site contains an animated movie about the components in the atmosphere. the movie covers the parts of the atmosphere including the topics of ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect. When students are finished watching the movie they can take a quiz to see how much they remember from the movie. Various related facts pop up during the movie to read. There are other links to jump into related to each specific subjects such as an activity page, experimenting with Bob, and a timeline. Click on the "Atmosphere" movie. Students are limited by this site to only watch five movies per day. Teachers using this site may not be allowed in if they have reached the maximum allowed uses. The limit changes often.
- Great Lakes Climate Change Assessment - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.1)New
- A report from the University of Michigan about the changing climate in the Great Lakes. It is downloadable by chapters as a .pdf file. It contains chapters on Climate Change and Lake-Effect Snow, Climate Change and River Flows, Water Resources, Water Ecology, Historic Overview and Current Situations. The report can also be ordered by mail.
- Our Changing Planet: 2002 Report - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.1) New
- A downloadable report (202)from the subcommittee on Global Change Research. This is a .pdf file of 73 pages. The report can be downloaded in sections (there are 7) rather than the whole report. It includes information on Climate Variability, Human Dimensions on Global Change, Changes in Ecosystems and their impact on weather.
- METEOROLOGY - DOES WEATHER HAPPEN RANDOMLY? - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.1,2,3&4)
- Outstanding - An outstanding weather site! Using a current satellite and radar image students are asked two basic questions: (1) Does weather happen randomly? (2) If there are patterns, what are they and how can we use them? This site has 9 interactive questions.
Benchmark 3 "Explain and predict general weather patterns and storms."
- Convection Currents - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.2)
- A demonstration that is simple and visually appealing to show convection currents in water.
- METEOROLOGY - DOES WEATHER HAPPEN RANDOMLY? - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.1,2,3&4)
- Outstanding - An outstanding weather site! Using a current satellite and radar image students are asked two basic questions: (1) Does weather happen randomly? (2) If there are patterns, what are they and how can we use them? This site has 9 interactive questions. Use for 8th grade weather unit.
- The University of Michigan: Weather Underground - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.2&3)
- Excellent site for access to weather imagery through several great links. Links include: current conditions and forecasts and curriculum activities for K - 12 classrooms. Links can also find weather for any city in U.S., also cities around the world.
- The Weather World 2010 Project - Meteorology - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.2&3)
- This site is a great weather resource, including explanations, animations, student activity sheets, and teacher answer guides.
Benchmark 4 "Explain the impact of human activities on the atmosphere and explain ways that individuals and society can reduce pollution."
- Climate Prediction Center - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.3) New
- This is an ineractive weather site with long term precipatation trends, drought analysis, ozone depletion rate and weekly weather patterns for North America.
- Geosciences Web Server - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.3)
- This site includes instructional materials on a variety of geoscience topics, including meteorology, climatology and oceanography. Also includes information on severe weather.
- METEOROLOGY - DOES WEATHER HAPPEN RANDOMLY?-Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.1,2,3&4)
- Outstanding - An outstanding weather site! Using a current satellite and radar image students are asked two basic questions: (1) Does weather happen randomly? (2) If there are patterns, what are they and how can we use them? This site has 9 interactive questions. Use for 8th grade weather unit.
- National Weather Service -Detroit/Pontiac -Michigan Forecast Center - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.3)
- This is an excellent site for the acquisition of weather and climatic data for Michigan, i.e. -maps, temperatures, wind speeds, sunrise, sunset, storm warnings, etc. The Detroit/Pontiac NWS office is the forecast center for Michigan. You can ask specific questions via e-mail.
- The University of Michigan: Weather Underground - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.2&3)
- Excellent site for access to weather imagery through several great links. Links include: current conditions and forecasts and curriculum activities for K - 12 classrooms. Links can also find weather for any city in U.S., also cities around the world.
- The Weather World 2010 Project - Meteorology - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.2&3)
- This site is a great weather resource, including explanations, animations, student activity sheets, and teacher answer guides.
- Air and Health Activities - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.4)
- Outstanding - This website provides at least 4 different activities involving air pollution. The Real Time Air Quality Exercise allows students in groups to collect air samples, which tells them about the amount of carbon monoxide and particulates in the air. They can then use a spreadsheet to organize their data, which they download from a link. There are also simulations such as Co-City, Lung Attack, and Recipe for Ozone, which inform students on the ingredients of ozone, and the effects that ozone has on us.
- METEOROLOGY - DOES WEATHER HAPPEN RANDOMLY?-Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.1,2,3&4)
- Outstanding - An outstanding weather site! Using a current satellite and radar image students are asked two basic questions: (1) Does weather happen randomly? (2) If there are patterns, what are they and how can we use them? This site has 9 interactive questions.
- Ozone Action: Teacher's Resource Kit - Atmosphere & Weather (V.3.HS.4) New
- This sight contains kits that can be ordered by mail or downloaded as a .pdf file (they are free). The kit contains information of ozone, what causes it and how to help prevent it. It contains a question and answer section and some of the questions/answers are aimed at southeast Michigan. It contains 19 pages.