Lesson 4 Matters Weather - University of Hawaiiblog.hawaii.edu/hcri/files/2017/01/U2L4-Weather-Matters.pdf · 2017-01-11 · 14 Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative * U2.L4.A2 * Hawaii Coral

Unit 2: Water! From Waves to Weather

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Weather forms from interactions between the sun, air, and water. Students learn to apply what they have learned about molecules to their everyday experience with weather. They also learn how meteorologists monitor weather.

Unit 2: Water! From Waves to Weather

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Table of Contents 4 Launch!

Sun, Air, Water. Sun, air, and water work together to form weather.

6 Weather or Not A1: Day-to-day Conditions. Weather is day-to-day temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and humidity in a specific location.

12 Feeling the Heat A2: Temperature. Temperature is the warming or cooling of the air by the sun.

18 Whooshing Winds A3: Wind. Wind is air moving from a place of high pressure to low pressure.

26 Pressure Changes Everything A4: Air Pressure. Air pressure is the weight of air pushing down on our planet.

32 Bad Hair Day A5: Humidity. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air.

40 It’s Raining, It’s Pouring A6: Rainfall. Rainfall is water that falls from clouds.

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Ready?Check out What will the Weather Be? by Lynda DeWitt (J 551.63 D).

Set?Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 1: • Weather or Not (Weather)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 2: • Feeling the Heat (Temperature)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 3: • Whooshing Winds (Wind)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 4: • Pressure Changes Everything (Air Pressure)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 5: • Bad Hair Day (Humidity)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 6: • It’s Raining, It’s Pouring (Rainfall)

Go!Develop Know-Wonder-Learn chart with students.

sun, air, and water work together to form weather.

What forms Weather?

Sun, Air and Water!

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MaterialsWhat Will the Weather Be? (J 551.63 D)

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Launch!Read What Will the Weather Be? by Lynda DeWitt as a class.

How it worksSun, air, and water! The state of these things at any given time affect temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind, rain, and more! A lot of what you learned about matter and molecules affects weather!

What’s in a Word?Weather comes from the Old English word weder. Many languages, such as Greek and Latin, took their word for weather from a word originally meaning “time.”

Literature Link“Whether the weather be fine Or whether the weather be not, Whether the weather be cold Or whether the weather be hot, We’ll weather the weather Whatever the weather, Whether we like it or not.” ~Anonymous

NOAA LinkLearn more about the weather NOAA’s National Weather Service.

www.weather.gov

Think about it...What forms weather?

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Weather or Not(Day-to-day Conditions)

Ready?ExploreBring in several days’ local weather forecasts (including current day) from the newspaper or online.

Find and print forecasts from different parts of the country online.

ElaborateFamiliarize yourself with Weather Jazz lyrics (U2.L4.A1-page 10).

Set?Unit 1-Lesson 2-Activity 5: • Making Changes (Changing States)Unit 2-Lesson 2-Activity 1: • Warm, Warmer, Warmest (Add Heat)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 2: • Feeling the Heat (Temperature)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 3: • Whooshing Winds (Wind)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 4: • Pressure Changes Everything (Air Pressure) Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 5: • Bad Hair Day (Humidity)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 6: • It’s Raining, It’s Pouring (Rainfall)Unit 4-Lesson 1-Activity 4: • Blown Away (Wind)


DAY-TO-DAY Conditions!

Weather is day-to-day temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and humidity in a specific location.

WHAT IS WEATHER?

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MaterialsWeather forecastsWeather Jazz(mp3 and lyrics)Weekly calendarPencils

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EngageGo outside and observe the weather with all your senses individually.

Describe the weather with your eyes.• Examples: cloud movement, blowing flags or trees, raindrops, sunlight

Describe the weather by touch.• Examples: warmth of the sun, breeze on skin, rain on bench

Describe the weather with your ears.• Examples: patter of rain, whoosh of wind, rustle of leaves

Describe the weather with your nose.• Example: smell of rain

Share your observations with the class. •

Name that ScientistWe call scientists who study weather meteorologists.

Interesting FactA light atop one of the tallest buildings in Boston actually signals the weather forecast for all to see. The code is in rhyme: “flashing blue-clouds due, steady red-rain ahead, flashing red (winter) - snow ahead.” In the summer if the light flashed red it signals the Boston Red Socks (baseball) game has been cancelled.

NOAA LinkThe National Weather Service forecasts the weather. Media outlets use this information for their reports.

www.weather.gov>> Hawaii

Think about it...What is weather?

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ExploreLook at today’s weather forecast as a class.

Discuss the meaning of the weather symbols.•

Observe the weather outside your classroom.• Is the forecast accurate?

Look at forecasts from different cities.• Compare to your local weather.

Think about it...What is a weather forecast?

Weather or Not


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ExplainSunny, rainy, windy, and sticky all describe weather. Meteorologists use tools to measure temperature, wind, rainfall and other parts of weather to predict future weather!

What is weather?Day-to-day conditions in a particular place! It includes how hot or cold it is and the amount of moisture in the air. Weather always changes and depends on our planet’s seasons.

What is a weather forecast?Weather prediction! Meteorologists (weather scientists) predict the weather before it happens by using data and special tools. Since weather can change from place to place, sometimes it helps to check outside your window to make your own weather forecast!

Hawaii neiHawaii has the highest recorded low temperature in the US (twelve degrees Fahrenheit)!

Historical NoteJohn Dalton was a famous British meteorologist. In 1787 he used homemade instruments to start recording weather observations and helped make weather forecasting into a science.

Just for funBuild weather tools.

www.scholastic.com >>Weather Watch >> Gather Data

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Think about it...What tools do people use to measure weather?

Weather or Not

How it worksLots! Meteorologists use anemometers and weather vanes to measure wind, barometers to measure air pressure, thermometers to measure temperature, and many others to help describe weather conditions and predict future weather.

ElaborateJam to Weather Jazz as a class!

Pretend to play instruments from a New Orleans jazz band. Examples: trumpet, trombone, clarinet, saxophone, drums, tuba, and banjo

Barometer measures pressure in the atmosphere,Udometer measures rain all throughout the year,Hygrometer measures humidity when it’s sticky and it’s hot,Anemometer measures wind speed when it’s fast and when it’s not.

Weather vane’s the only instrument that really doesn’t rhyme;It tells the direction of the wind no matter what the time!

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EvaluateWhat is weather?

Begin a class weather chart to complete throughout the entire lesson.

Gather weather forecast data each morning.• Record it on a calendar.

Record the actual weather at your school • Write it on your calendar.

Discuss the types of information you gathered to describe the • weather.

Why would ocean-related scientists look up the weather forecast before doing field work?

AssessSC.K.2.1 Identify different types of technologies at home, in the

classroom, and/or in the world.SC.K.8.1 Report and describe weather changes from day to day and over

the seasons.

SC.1.1.1 Collect, record, and organize data using simple tools, equipment, and techniques safely.

SC.1.2.1 Explain why people create technological devices.

What’s in a Word?Baros: weight (Greek)Udus: wet (Latin)Hugros: wet (Greek)Anemos: wind (Greek)Metron: measure (Greek)

Invention CenterMeteorologists have many new weather forecasting tools: weather buoys, airplanes, satellites, balloons.

NOAA linkLearn about TIROS, the first weather satellite.

www.noaa.govSearch “TIROS first weather satellite”

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Ready?EngagePlace deflated balloon over top of an empty, clear, two-liter soda bottle.

ElaborateHang string from tree to suspend thermometer five feet above ground level.

You can find inexpensive thermometers (for reptile habitats) in most pet stores.

Set?Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 1: • Weather or Not (Weather)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 3: • Whooshing Winds (Wind)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 4: • Pressure Changes Everything (Air Pressure)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 5: • Bad Hair Day (Humidity)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 6: • It’s Raining, It’s Pouring (Rainfall)Unit 4-Lesson 1-Activity 4: • Blown Away (Wind)


Temperature is the warming or cooling of the air by the sun.

What do we measure with

thermometers?

Temperature!

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MaterialsBalloon2-liter soda bottleHair dryer Thermometer (1 per group)RulerStringWriting materials

Feeling the Heat(Temperature)

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EngageObserve hot air rising as a class.

Discuss what happens to the ground when the sun shines on it.•

Teacher: Blow cold air on prepared bottle with hair dryer for thirty • seconds. What happened to the balloon.

Teacher: Blow hot air on bottle with hair dryer for about one minute. • What happened to the balloon this time.What happens to the air near the ground, heated by the sun.

Reading ResourceWhat Is a Thermometer by Lisa Trumbauer (J 681.2 Tr)

What’s in a Word?Galileo first use the term “temperature” from the Latin word temperare (to moderate, control).

Hawaii NeiThe highest temperature recorded in Hawaii is 100 degrees Fahrenheit (at Pahala).

Think about it...What is air temperature?

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ExploreDiscuss parts of a thermometer and how to read in small groups.

Identify the main parts of a thermometer.• Example: Fahrenheit scale, Celsius scale, bulb, mercury (or other colored liquid)

Find the room temperature by reading the thermometer. • Temperature will usually be around 75-80º Fahrenheit.

Compare Fahrenheit and Celsius scales.• Use a ruler to align Fahrenheit and Celsius.

**Activity Extension** Look at pictures or, if available, read various types of other thermometers.

Examples: digital garden, vertical garden, radial garden

Think about it...What tool do people use to measure temperature?

Feeling the Heat




ExplainMeteorologists use tools to measure temperature, wind, and other parts of weather. They put all the pieces together to predict future weather!

What is air temperature?Warming or cooling of air from the sun! The sun heats Earth’s surface, which heats the air near it. When heated, air expands, becomes less dense, and rises. The rising, warm air causes the balloon to inflate!

What tool do people use to measure temperature?Thermometers! We measure temperature in degrees (either Celsius or Fahrenheit). This temperature forecast helps us to know how we should dress. Tutu says we can look forward to eating shave ice on days when the highs exceed 85 degrees and putting an extra blanket on the bed when the low goes under 60 degrees.

Hawaii NeiOf all temperature differences (between highs and lows) in the United States, Hawaii has the smallest fluctuation of all.

On a Related NoteStates with most extreme temperature differences lie west of the Mississippi River.

Did You Know?Tree crickets are called the poor man’s thermometer because temperature directly affects their rate of activity. Count the number of chirps a cricket makes in 15 seconds, then add 37. The sum will be very close to the outside temperature!

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ElaborateConduct a weather experiment as a class.

Ask a question,• Does the location of a thermometer affects the temperature reading?

Do background research.•

Construct a hypothesis.• “If (I do this), then (this) will happen.”

Test with an experiment.• Place all thermometers in the same general area in your school yard, but with different sun exposure and height from ground. Examples: 1) shade more than five feet from ground, 2) shade less than one foot from ground, 3) direct sun more than five feet from ground, 4) sun less than one foot from ground. After thirty minutes read thermometers and record results.

Analyze data.• Is your hypothesis true?

Communicate results. •

How it worksYes! Location of a thermometer affects its temperature reading. Placing the thermometer near the ground records the heat of the air and warmth from the ground. Placing the thermometer in the direct sun may not give you a correct reading because the thermometer itself may become warm. Remember U3.L1-Sun? The reading in the shade well above the ground (about five feet) will give you the best reading. Take care to place your thermometer out of the wind, which may cool it.

Think about it...Does the location of a thermometer matter?

Feeling the Heat



EvaluateWhat do we measure with thermometers?

Wave your hand in the air outdoors.•

Wave your hand in an air conditioned room.•

Wave you hand in front of a blow dryer set on warm.•

Measure the different air temperatures with a thermometer.•

How does temperature affect weather?

AssessSC.K.1.1 Use the senses to make observations.SC.K.1.3 Collect data about living and non-living things.SC.K.2.1 Identify different types of technologies at home, in the classroom,

and/or in the world.SC.K.8.1 Report and describe weather changes from day to day and over

the seasons.


SC.1.2.1 Explain why people create technological devices.SC.1.2.2 Describe a variety of changes that occur in nature.

SC.2.1.2: Conduct a simple investigation using a systematic process safely to test a prediction.

Scientists Say......evaporative cooling when the human body produces sweat to cool itself in hot weather.

Did You Know?Humans can touch things heated to about 130 degrees Fahrenheit before they will feel pain.

NOAA LinkFind out more about temperature and weather forecasts.

www.nwrfc.noaa.gov>>Temp and Precip Forecasts


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Ready?ExplorePhotocopy Windsock template (U2.L4.A3-pages 24-25) (one per student).

Cut twelve inch pieces of string (three per student).Cut twelve inch pieces of ribbon (twelve per student).

ElaborateCut cardboard into strips four-inches by twelve-inches (four per group).

Set?Unit 1-Lesson 2-Activity 5: • Making Changes (Changing States) Unit 2-Lesson 2-Activity 1: • Warm, Warmer, Warmest (Add Heat)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 1: • Weather or Not (Weather)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 2: • Feeling the Heat (Temperature)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 4: • Pressure Changes Everything (Air Pressure)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 5: • Bad Hair Day (Humidity)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 6: • It’s Raining, It’s Pouring (Rainfall)Unit 4-Lesson 1-Activity 4: • Blown Away (Wind)


Wind!

Wind is air moving from a place of high pressure to low pressure.

what do we measure with

anemometers?

MaterialsPaperWindsock template(U2.L4.A3-pp. 24-25)StringRibbon Scissors Coloring materialsTapeHole punchMilk jugs (4) MarkerCompass CardboardStaplerDixie cups (4 per group) RulerPush pin (1 per group)Pencil with eraser(1 per group)Modeling clay

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EngagePlay Fly With the Wind individually.

Make a paper airplane.•

Demonstrate tossing your airplane against the wind.• Record distance.

Throw airplane again with the wind.• Record distance.

Interesting FactAncient Greeks thought wind was the Earth exhaling. We now know that it is just air on the move.

Scientists Say......wind chill for the cooling effect of wind and temperature combined.

NOAA LinkLearn more about wind chill using NOAA’s wind chill chart.

www.crh.noaa.govSearch “wind chill chart”

Think about it...What is wind?

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ExploreCreate a windsock individually.

Decorate your windsock template • (U2.L4.A3-page 25).Cut windsock from template.

Join edges. • Tape closed to form a megaphone-shaped tube. You should have a small opening at one end and a larger opening at the other end.

Stick three small pieces of tape spaced evenly around edge of smaller opening. • Punch a hole through each of the three pieces of tape on your windsock.

Tie twelve-inch piece of string to each of the three holes in your windsock. • Tie other ends together in a single knot.

Tape several pieces of ribbon twelve inches long to other (bigger) end of • windsock.

Mark each milk jug with a direction.• Write N for north, S for south, E for east, and W for west.

Take your wind sock and four milk jugs to an open field outside. • Use a compass to position your milk jugs. Place jugs about five feet away from a central point in each direction.

Stand at central point with jugs around you. • Hold knotted end of windsock’s string so windsock dangles in front of you without any part touching the ground. Allow ribbons to move freely in the wind. You may have to turn your body.

Watch to see which way wind blows ribbons. • The milk jug closest to the side without the ribbons tells you the wind’s direction!

Think about it...How do you find wind direction?

Windy Weather




Interesting FactAncient Greeks attached wind vanes atop statues for decoration.

Did You Know?Airports often use windsocks to help pilots take off and land safely.

What’s in a Word?A light wind is called a “zephyr.” Many poets use the term to describe the gentlest of breezes.

Hawaii NeiKona wind refers to the stormy, rain-bearing winds that blow over the islands from the SW or SSW (in the opposite direction of normal trade winds).

ExplainMeteorologists use tools to measure temperature, wind, and other parts of weather. They put all the pieces together to predict future weather!

What is wind?Moving air! Air pressure changes from place to place. Air moves from places of high pressure to places of low pressure, creating a sensation we call wind. Uncle says here in the Hawaiian Islands, we have almost constant winds (trade winds) that blow in a predictable pattern coming from a northeast direction.

How do you find wind direction?Windsocks! The small end of this tool catches the wind, while the big end points away. If ribbons attached to your big end blow eastward, then wind comes from the west.

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ElaborateMake an anemometer in small groups.

Cross prepared cardboard strips to make a plus (+) sign. • Staple together.

Use ruler and pencil to draw a line down the middle of each cardboard • strip.

Staple cups to ends of strips. • Make sure cups all face the same direction.

Mark one cup with a big X.•

Push pin through center of cardboard where lines cross. • Attach to eraser end of pencil. The cardboard spins freely on the eraser by blowing on it.

Take anemometer outside.•

Place modeling clay on a surface outside. • Stick sharpened end of pencil into clay so it stands upright.

Count and record revolutions in one minute.• Look at marked cup. Each time it returns to same spot, count one revolution.

Think about it...What tool do people use to measure wind speed?

How it worksAnemometers! Meteorologists count the number of times an anemometer goes around in a minute. Fast wind makes anemometers turn more quickly than slow winds. Meteorologists compare revolutions to a standard in order to convert them into miles per hour (or knots).

Windy Weather



EvaluateWhat do we measure with anemometers?

Discuss the best location for the anemometer as a class.

If you were a meteorologist, where would you put your anemometer on your school campus to record the best results? Why?

How does wind affect weather?



the seasons.


SC.1.2.1 Explain why people create technological devices.SC.1.2.2 Describe a variety of changes that occur in nature.

SC.2.1.2 Conduct a simple investigation using a systematic process safely to test a prediction.

What’s in a Word?Anemometer and anemone come from the same Greek root word anemos (wind). Anemone means “daughter of the wind.”

Interesting FactMount Washington Observatory recorded the greatest wind gust speed ever recorded on earth: 231 miles per hour in 1934 during a severe storm.

Literature LinkRead the Aesop Fable, The North Wind and the Sun. Would an anemometer be turning fast or slow in this story?

Windsock TemplateU2.L4.A3 Windy Weather (Explore)


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Ready?EngageBlow up a balloon (one per group).

ExploreBlow up second balloon (per group).

Cut string into foot-long pieces (one per group).

Set?Unit 1-Lesson 2-Activity 4: • Got Gas? (Gas)Unit 2-Lesson 2-Activity 1: • Warm, Warmer, Warmest (Add Heat)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 1: • Weather or Not (Day-to-Day Conditions)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 2:• Feeling the Heat (Temperature)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 3: • Whooshing Winds (Wind)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 5: • Bad Hair Day (Humidity)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 6: • It’s Raining, It’s Pouring (Rainfall)


Pressure Changes Everything(Air Pressure)

Air pressure is the weight of air pushing down on our planet.

What do we measure with a

barometer?air pressure!

MaterialsBalloons (2 per group)Plastic wrapTapeStringScissorsYardstick (1 per group)Glass jar (wide mouthed) (1 per group)Rubberband (1 per group)Stir stick (1 per group)Writing material

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EngageCreate an atmosphere in small groups.

Wrap a piece of plastic wrap around a balloon.•

Discuss the purpose of Earth’s atmosphere.• Remove plastic wrap.

Did You Know?Our atmosphere is about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, less than 1% argon, 0.038% carbon dioxide, and trace amounts of other gases. Air also contains about 1% of water vapor.

Interesting FactScientists divide the atmosphere into five layers: troposphere (weather), stratosphere (jet flight paths), mesosphere (meteors burn up), thermosphere (space shuttle orbit), and exosphere (outer space).

Just for funPlace thin yardstick on a table with a little less than half of it hanging off of the edge. Cover the portion on the table with a sheet of newspaper. Strike the end hanging off the table! If you strike quick enough, the yardstick will break, due to 9,300 pounds of air pushing down on the newspaper. Now that is air pressure!

Think about it...What causes air pressure?

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ExploreDo the Weighing in on Air experiment in small groups.

Ask a question,• Does air really have weight?



Test with an experiment.• Tie string around middle of yardstick. Adjust string so stick levels out and balances. Tape one balloon to each end of yardstick. Hold string so yard stick and balloons hang freely. Adjust string so both yard stick, with balloons attached balance. Make a tiny snip near the knot of one balloon. Observe.

Analyze data.• Is your hypothesis true?

Communicate results. •

Think about it...Does air really have weight?

Pressure Changes Everything




ExplainTiny molecules make up air. We cannot see these molecules, but they do have weight and take up space.

What causes air pressure? Atmosphere! This thin layer of gases covering Earth like a blanket affects weather. The air in the atmosphere pushes against Earth (and you) all the time. Scientists call the push of its weight air pressure.

Does air really have weight? Yes! Think of your balloons. Which weighed more? The balloon full of air! Areas of air with more molecules (denser) have high pressure. Areas with fewer molecules have low pressure. Differences in pressure create weather! High pressure usually means good weather with cool temperatures. Low pressure meeting high pressure results in warmer temperatures, wind and rain.

Interesting FactAir pressure pushes on you with a force of thousands of pounds. Why are you not crushed?Your body also pushes out with equal pressure!

On a Related NoteIf you went into space, your body would explode before you suffocated because no air pressure pushes inward on you to counteract your body’s pressure pushing outward.

Invention CenterAirplanes travel where air pressure is too low for humans. Pilots pressurize the cabin to match the air pressure on land!


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ElaborateMake a barometer in small groups.

Cut off neck of deflated balloon. •

Stretch balloon over jar opening. • Stretch rubber band around opening to secure balloon in place.

Place stir stick flat on top of balloon.• Place one end in middle of balloon, with other hanging off the side. Tape in place.

Tape paper on a wall.• Place jar next to wall and stir stick pointer just touching the paper.

Mark position of pointer on card.•

Make two additional marks on your paper one-eighth inch above and below • pointer.Write “high” near the top mark and draw a sun. Write “low” near the bottom mark and draw a rain cloud.

Test your barometer.• Create high pressure by pushing slightly on balloon. Watch stir stick move upwards.

Release balloon, creating low pressure and watch stick move down.•

Check barometer every day for a week. • Continue marking positions and noting weather. Compare your reading to NOAA’s barometer reading for your city at www.noaa.gov >> City, State

How it worksBarometer! Barometers measure changes in air pressure. High pressure pushes down on the balloon, moving the straw upwards. Lower pressure makes the air in the jar push up and rise, moving the straw downwards. Tutu says high pressure creates higher marks and clear, cool weather. Lower pressure creates lower marks, which means warmer temperatures with a chance of rain.

Think about it...What tool do meteorologists use to measure air pressure?




EvaluateWhat do we measure with a barometer?

Answer by drawing your tool and labeling its measurements.

Draw your barometer on a sheet of paper and the three lines • you marked.

Label the lines: high pressure, low pressure, and starting point.•

Add a sun and a cloud to show what type of weather the • different types of air pressure may create.

How does air pressure affect weather?



the seasons.


SC.1.2.2 Describe a variety of changes that occur in nature.

SC.2.1.1 Develop predictions based on observations.SC.2.1.2 Conduct a simple investigation using a systematic process safely

to test a prediction.

Did You Know?Have you ever felt your ears pop? They are trying to make your body’s pressure equal with the surrounding pressure!

Just for funBurping releases air pressure in your body. Try it! Does your chest feel different after you burp on purpose?

Invention CenterEvangelista Torricelli made the first barometer in 1644. He used mercury to measure changes in pressure.

NOAA LinkLearn more about air pressure with JetStream.

www.srh.noaa.gov >> JetStream >> The Atmosphere



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Ready?ElaborateCut cardboard into twelve-inch by nine-inch rectangles.

Cut poster board into triangular point about six inches long.

Set?Unit 1-Lesson 2-Activity 5: • Making Changes (Changing States)Unit 2-Lesson 2-Activity 1: • Warm, Warmer, Warmest (Add Heat)Unit 2-Lesson 3-Activity 2: • Now you See It; Now You Don’t (Evaporation)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 1: • Weather or Not (Weather)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 2: • Feeling the Heat (Temperature)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 3: • Whooshing Winds (Wind)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 4: • Pressure Changes Everything (Air Pressure)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 6: • It’s Raining, It’s Pouring (Rainfall)


Humidity is the amount of Water vapor in the air.

What do we measure with a hygrometer? Humidity!

MaterialsDry sponge (1 per group)Bowl of water (1 per group)Writing materialsDesiccant containers (E.g., Damp Rid®)Hygrometer instructions(U2.L4.A5-pp.38-39) CardboardPosterboardPushpinStrand of human hair (12”)TapeDimeHeavy bookPaperclipCup of hot water

Hawaii StandardsSC.K.1.1SC.K.1.3 SC.K.2.1 SC.K.8.1

SC.1.1.1SC.1.2.2

SC.2.1.1SC.2.1.2

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EngageCompare wet sponge to humid air in small groups.

Squeeze a piece of very dry sponge.• How much water was in the sponge?

Soak piece of sponge in a bowl of water.• Lift and hold it over bowl.

Squeeze water back into bowl.• How much water was in the sponge?

What’s in a Word?Humidity comes from the Latin word humidus (moist).

Interesting FactThe more humidity in the air, the slower water evaporates. Once air has all the water vapor it can absorb, no more water evaporates.

Did You Know?Humid air helps smells travel farther!

Just for FunWhat are clouds’ favorite instrument?

Answer: Foghorns!

Think about it...What is humidity?

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ExploreConduct Water in the Air experiment as a class.

Ask a question,• What causes humidity?



Test with an experiment.• Create a control: Place DampRid® packet into non-air conditioned room. Label it “No AC.”Create a variable: Place DampRid packet into air conditioned room. Label it “AC.”Discuss purpose of a desiccant. Discuss similarities and differences between two rooms.Record amount of moisture each desiccant absorbs. Record measurements twice a week for two weeks.

Analyze data.• Discuss how air conditioners work. Discuss what is in the non-air conditioned room that was missing from the air conditioned room.

Communicate results.•

Think about it...What causes humidity?

Bad Hair Day




ExplainDon’t you just hate those days that are hot, moist, and sticky? We call those hot, moist, and sticky days humid weather. Meteorologists measure humidity, or the amount of water vapor in the air. Air can only hold a certain amount of water vapor before it condenses.

What is humidity?Water vapor in the air! Air acts like a sponge. Water molecules fit into the spaces between the air molecules. 0% humidity means the air has no water vapor in it. 100% humidity means the air has so much water that it could rain, just like your sponge did when it was full of water. For clouds to form and rain to start, the air has to reach 100% relative humidity.

What causes humidity?Wator vapor and hot air! Water molecules evaporates into the air. Aunty says more hot air equals more evaporation. More evaporation equals more water vapor, which equals more humidity! The air conditioned room in your experiment has cooler air, so you have less evaporation and water vapors. The non-air conditioned room is hotter, therefore more evaporation, more water vapors and more humidity!

Scientists Say......desiccants for materials that can absorb moisture and keep things dry. Desiccants are used to absorb moisture in baby diapers.

Did You Know?High humidity makes people feel hotter outside in the summer because your sweat does not evaporate as quickly or as much as it does when humidity is low.

Interesting FactIt does not always rain even with 100% humidity. Fog has 100% humidity, for example, but its droplets do not fall as rain.

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ElaborateCreate a hair hygrometer in small groups.

Cut two slits in cardboard base about • one-fourth inch apart and one-inch from left side (A).

Cut two slits along bottom of triangle • pointer about one inch from left side (B).

Attach pointer to base with pushpin. • Make sure slits in pointer are facing toward the bottom and aligned with slits in cardboard base.

Wiggle pointer so it moves freely around • the pin.

Slide hair through slits in base (A) and slits • in pointer (B). Tape hair into each set of slits.

Tape dime onto pointer, about one and a • half inches from left edge.Hair should be between pushpin and dime.

Arrange pointer so hair is slightly stretched • when pointer is perpendicular to hair.Make sure pointer does not fall. Tighten if necessary.

Make three marks half an inch apart on • cardboard next to pointer tip. Label first mark “Dry”, label third mark “Humid”. Pointer should point near middle mark when hair is taught.

Compare hygrometer measurements outside to inside an air conditioned room.•

How it worksHygrometer! Aunty says hair stretches in humid weather. Have you ever noticed your hair getting frizzy (or flat)? This happens because your hair absorbs the air’s moisture and stretches! Stretching hair makes the arrow point lower. Since hair shrinks in low humidity, the hair pulls down and moves the pointer upwards.

Think about it...What tool do meteorologists use to measure humidity?

Bad Hair Day



EvaluateWhat do we measure with a hygrometer?

Test your hygrometer in small groups.

Attach your hygrometer to the cover of a heavy book with a • paperclip.

Place the hygrometer near a cup of steaming water.• Be careful not to touch the hot cup.

Predict what will happen to your pointer.•

How does humidity affect weather?



the seasons.


SC.1.2.2 Describe a variety of changes that occur in nature.

SC.2.1.1 Develop predictions based on observations.SC.2.1.2 Conduct a simple investigation using a systematic process safely

to test a prediction.

Web ResourceCheck out your local, national, or global weather forecast.

www.intellicast.com >> Forecast >> Humidity

Invention CenterInvented in 1783, the hair hygrometer proved so reliable that only in the 1960s did someone invent an electrical one.

Just for FunWatch a weather forecast. What did the meteorologist say about humidity?

www.weather.com


HYGROMETERU2.L4.A5 Bad Hair Day (Elaborate)

1 . 2 .

3 . 4 .

Start with one 12 by 9 inch cardboard rectangle.

Cut two slits along bottom of triangle pointer about one inch from left side.

Attach pointer to base with pushpin. Make sure slits in pointer are facing toward the bottom and aligned with slits in cardboard base.

Cut two slits in cardboard about 1/4 inch apart and one inch from left side.

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5 . 6 .

7 .

Slide hair through slits in base and slits in pointer. Tape hair into each set of slits.

Wiggle pointer so it moves freely around the pin.

Tape dime to pointer (for weight), about one and a half inches from left edge. Hair should be between pushpin and dime. Arrange pointer so hair is slightly stretched when pointer is perpendicular to hair. Make sure pointer does not fall. Tighten if necessary.

8 .

Make three marks half an inch apart on cardboard next to pointer tip. Label first mark “Dry”, label third mark “Humid”. Pointer should point near middle mark when hair is taught.

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(Rainfall)

Rainfall is water that falls from clouds.

Ready?Nothing to prepare.

Set?Unit 2-Lesson 3-Activity 3: • Bumpin’ and Clumpin’ (Condensation)Unit 2-Lesson 3-Activity 4: • The Sky Is Falling (Precipitation)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 1: • Weather or Not (Weather)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 2: • Feeling the Heat (Temperature)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 3: • Whooshing Winds (Wind)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 4: • Pressure Changes Everything (Air Pressure)Unit 2-Lesson 4-Activity 5: • Bad Hair Day (Humidity)

•


Hawaii StandardsSC.K.1.1SC.K.1.3 SC.K.2.1 SC.K.8.1 SC.1.1.1SC.1.2.2

SC.2.8.1

What do we measure with a

Rain gauge? Rainfall!

MaterialsBaking sheet (1 per group)FlourSifter (1 per group)Spoon (1 per group)Paper (1 per group)Wooden ruler (1 per group)Tin cans (2 per group)WaterPaperPencilRubbish cans (2)Ping pong balls (10)Basketballs (10)

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EngageDo the Rainstorm Stomp as a class.

Create wind.• Rub hands together and hiss.

Make small raindrops.• Tap two fingers lightly against desk.

Sound large raindrops.• Slap thighs.

Generate thunder.• Stomp feet.

Repeat several times. • Build up storm and then calm.

**Activity Extension**Do a round of the actions.

Divide into four groups. Each group take one action. Signal when each new action should join until entire class does it together.

Keiki StorytimeRain by Marion Dane Bauer (J 551.577 Ba)

Web ResourceA professional version of a Rainstorm Stomp is a must see!

www.youtube.com. Search “Slovenia jazz Africa”

Hawaii NeiCatch rainwater from your roof into a rain barrel to water your yard.

www.hbws.org Search “Rain Barrel”

Did You Know?The smell of rain comes from several things, like oils given off by plants.

Think about it...What is rainfall?

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ExploreMeasure raindrops in small groups.

Cover baking sheet with thin layer of flour.• Shake gently to smooth.

Go outside during a rain shower.•

Hold baking sheet flat in the rain for a few seconds.• Do not allow flour to become soaked nor tip the sheet.

Return indoors.•

Scoop out rain drop from flour and gently drop in sifter over baking sheet.•

Gently shake sifter to remove excess flour.• Pour flour covered raindrop on paper.

Measure raindrop with ruler.•

Think about it...What size are raindrops?

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring




ExplainIn order to have rain you must have a cloud (as we learned in U2.L3.A4). Clouds consist of water in the air (water vapor) that has formed around a piece of dust.

What is rainfall?Water falling from clouds! You learned humidity is water vapor in the air. When this vapor builds into a big pile (clouds), gravity pulls it to the ground as rain. You can learn more about this in the water cycle lesson (U2.L3). Uncle says different ecosystems get different amounts of rain depending on their climate (U3.L2).

What size are raindrops?All different sizes! Raindrops do not have a teardrop shape. Rather tiny droplets have a sphere shape and slightly bigger ones look like hamburger buns.

Did You Know?Big raindrops may break apart or smaller ones smash together and become bigger.

On a Related NoteThe biggest known raindrop fell near Hilo, Hawaii. It measured a third of an inch across (about the size of your fingernail).

Expressive Expressions“It’s raining cats and dogs!” means it rains heavily. While there have never been reports of cats and dogs falling from the sky, some heavy winds have carried frogs and fish.

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ElaborateCreate rain gauges in pairs.

Fill two same size cans with different amounts of water. •

Measure water in each can.• Touch wooden ruler to the bottom of can.

Remove ruler.• Ruler will darken where water touches.

Record inches of “rain” on a data sheet.• Compare your measurement with a partner’s. If different, repeat.

Place emptied rain gauge outside.•

Measure actual rainfall after it rains!•

How it worksRain gauge! This is a very simple tool. It only requires a container to catch the rain and a ruler to measure the amount of rain caught during a specific time. After it rains you can simply measure the waterline.

Think about it...What tool do meteorologists use to measure rainfall?





EvaluateWhat do we measure with a rain gauge?

Create two extra large udometers as a class.

Place two large rubbish cans as extra large udometers in front of • class.

Gather ten ping pong balls and ten basketballs as your • raindrops.Which raindrop size will fill the udometers faster?

Group 1: Create a drizzle by dropping ten ping pong balls in first • rubbish can.

Group 2: Create rain by dropping ten basketballs into second • rubbish can.

How does rain affect weather?

AssessSC.K.1.1 Use the senses to make observations.SC.K.1.3 Collect detailed and relevant data about living and non-living

things.SC.K.2.1 Identify and explain examples of technology at home, in the

classroom, and/or in the world.SC.K.8.1 Report and describe, in detail, weather changes from day to

day and over the seasons and identify weather patterns.

SC.1.1.1 Collect, record, and organize data accurately, using a variety of simple tools, equipment, and techniques safely.

SC.1.2.2 Describe a variety of changes that occur in nature and the causes for these changes.

SC.2.8.1 Identify different Earth materials and classify them by their physical properties.

Scientists Say......udometer for rain gauge.

Did You Know?King Sejong of Korea ordered the invention of a rain gauge in 1441. He used it to help determine the taxes his farmers had to pay for the year.

Historical NoteLong ago people would look to nature to forecast weather. People used to hang kelp. If it stayed slimy, people predicted rain. If it dried, they expected hot and try weather.

NOAA LinkMeteorologists also use a tool called Doppler radar to see where and how hard rain or snow falls.

radar.weather.gov>> Hawaii


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Documents

Lesson 4 Matters Weather - University of Hawaiiblog.hawaii.edu/hcri/files/2017/01/U2L4-Weather-Matters.pdf · 2017-01-11 · 14 Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative * U2.L4.A2 * Hawaii Coral