Unit Plan 19 (Grade 3 Science): Weather Observations
Collect and graph daily temperature, precipitation, and wind data to identify patterns and describe the typical seasonal weather conditions expected in your region.
Focus: Collect and analyze weather data (temperature, precipitation, wind) to describe typical conditions and seasonal patterns.
Grade Level: 3
Subject Area: Science (Earth & Space Science • Data/Inquiry)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students become weather observers, collecting real data over several days to describe typical weather conditions in their location. They use simple tools (thermometers, wind observations, precipitation charts) to record daily weather, then organize information into tables and graphs. By the end of the week, they use their data to explain seasonal patterns and make simple statements about what weather we usually expect at this time of year.
Essential Questions
- How can we measure and describe weather conditions like temperature, precipitation, and wind?
- What can tables and graphs show us about weather patterns over time?
- How does weather change from day to day, and what patterns do we notice in a season?
- Why is it helpful for people to know the typical weather in different seasons?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Collect daily weather data for temperature, precipitation, and wind using simple tools and observations.
- Organize weather data into tables and create simple graphs (bar graphs, line plots) to show changes over time.
- Use tables and graphs to describe typical weather conditions for the current season (e.g., “often cool and rainy”).
- Compare their data with weather reports or historical averages to discuss patterns and differences.
- Explain in student-friendly language how their data helps them predict what weather is usually like in this season.
Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (NGSS-Aligned)
- 3-ESS2-1 — Represent data in tables and graphical displays of average temperature, precipitation, and wind direction to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.
- Example: Collect a week or month of daily weather data and graph it to show typical fall or spring conditions.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can record weather data (temperature, precipitation, wind) in a data table for several days.
- I can make a graph from my weather data that shows how conditions changed over time.
- I can describe typical weather for this season using my table and graph (for example, “It is often chilly and windy”).
- I can compare my class data to a weather report or chart and talk about how they are similar or different.
- I can use my data to answer questions about what weather we usually expect in this season.