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Process



number 1
 

Exploring Temperature


Hands-on demonstrations during this portion of the workshop will help participants understand the effects of several key processes on temperatures.  The group list prepared earlier may be revised after exploration.
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Supportive Files


Activity 1: Investigating Temperature
Activity 1: Investigating Temperature Datasheet
Activity 2: Quick Study Instrument Shelter
Activity 3: Flashlight
Activity 4: Lamp, globe, and remote thermometers
Activity 5: Lamp, cotton balls, and black and white paper
Activity 6: Lamp, spinners, and yard stick
Activity 7: Leaky container and water jug
Activity 8: Cups of dry soil, moist soil and water
Activity 9: Cloudscape


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Supportive Links


Activity 1: Studying the Instrument Shelter Activity
Activity 1: Link to Build a Thermometer Activity


number 2
 

How Temperature Varies


Surface air temperature observations will be examined.  Individual observations and map plots will be explored.
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Supportive Links


Experiences in Inquiry – STORM Project Resources

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number 3
 

Temperature Exploration Activities

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Supportive Files


Activity 1: Four cups with metal bar
Activity 2: Thermometer and moist wick
Activity 3 : Clear packs of liquid
Activity 4: Metal strip on handle with candle
Activity 5: Two black blocks
Activity 6: Compressed air and digital thermometer

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number 4
 

Introduction to Forecasting Techniques


An overview of modern weather forecasting will be presented.  Basic techniques for forecasting high and low temperatures will be discussed.

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Supportive Links


Experiences in Inquiry – STORM Project Resources


number 5
 

Forecasting Activity


Participants will apply knowledge and data to the construction of high and low temperature forecasts.  The forecasts will be verified the following day.

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Supportive Files


Forecast Organizer & Discussion

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Supportive Links


Experiences in Inquiry – STORM Project Resources


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number 6
 

Five Essential Features of Inquiry

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Supportive Files


"Essential Features of Classroom Inquiry"
PowerPoint Presentation
Download --- View/Print

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Supportive Links


National Science Education Standards - Content Standards

Inquiry in the National Science Education Standards  - Chapter 2

5 Essential Features of Classroom Inquiry and Their Variations

Next Generation Science Standards


number 7
 

Communicating Explanations through PowerPoint


  1. Direct instruction will be provided within the workshop to teach participants various PowerPoint skills. See Supportive Files section below for teaching & notetaking outlines which define the skills to be addressed.
  2. Participants will start with a PowerPoint presentation template containing slides for creating a Forecast.
  3. As they learn various PowerPoint skills, participants will input forecast information developed during a previous activity.
  4. Later on, participants will deliver their PowerPoint forecasts to their peers.
  5. An evaluation rubric will be provided at the time of the presentations. It includes criteria for evaluating the CONTENT of the presentation as well as presentation MECHANICS.
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Supportive Files


PowerPoint Lesson - Teaching Outline

PowerPoint Lesson - Outline for Notetaking

Forecast Presentation - PowerPoint Template

Map Images for Use in
Forecast Presentation Template
Iowa Surface Observing Stations
Base Map - Blank
Base Map - With Identifiers

Sample of a Completed Forecast Presentation


number 8
 

Forecasting Presentations


Participants will present their forecasts to the large group. The following rubric will be shared with participants as a suggested means of assessing both the content and mechanics of science presentations. This assessment tool may be used by instructors to evaluate participants, by participants for peer evaluation and/or by participants for self-evaluation.



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Evaluation


Science Presentation Evaluation Rubric - PDF
Science Presentation Evaluation Rubric - MS Word

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number 9
 

Surface Temperature


Are surface temperature and ground cover related?  Let's find out!  As a group, participants will study the surface temperature of a grassy area compared to a paved area.  The hypothesis is:  The average surface temperature in the grassy area will be cooler than the average surface temperature in the payed area.  Participants will break into teams and follow the GLOBE surface temperature protocol to collect data.  Then participants will combine the class data into one graph.  As a group, they will determine if the data supports or does not support the hypothsis and complete a scientific poster to share results with others. A rubric will be shared for assessing the posters. This tool may be used for both self-assessment and evaluation purposes.


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Supportive Files


GLOBE Surface Temperature Protocol

GLOBE Site Definition Data Sheet

GLOBE Surface Temperature Data Sheet

Science Poster Template - PowerPoint

Sample of Surface Temperature Poster

Sample of another Science Poster,
St. Edwards School 4th Graders


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Supportive Links


GLOBE Surface Temperature Protocol

GLOBE Surface Temperature Data Sheet

Define an Atmosphere Study Site Data Sheet


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Evaluation


Science Poster Rubric

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Return to Task | Top of Page | Proceed to Evaluation


This WebQuest developed by Lori Seawel, Instructional Designer and Technology Coordinator
ITS-Educational Technology, University of Northern Iowa

Contributing Authors:
Alan Czarnetzki, Professor of Earth Science & Director of STORM, University of Northern Iowa
Marcy Seavey, STEM Coordinator, University of Northern Iowa
Doreen Hayek, Projects Administrator, ITS-Educational Technology, University of Northern Iowa
Eve Halligan, Program Coordinator, Iowa Academy of Science
Lori Seawel, Instructional Designer & Technology Coordinator,
ITS-Educational Technology, University of Northern Iowa

To learn more about WebQuests, visit The WebQuest Page, maintained by Bernie Dodge
(San Diego State University), founder of the WebQuest concept.