Resource Plan- Dianne Fulton

Friday, June 8, 2001

Dianne Fulton

Weather Webquest

URL- http://sg-4.beth.k12.pa.us/lkrenz/welcome.htm

3. Brief Description of your current method of dealing with this area in your classroom.

One theme of our Houghton-Mifflin curriculum is entitled, “Weather Watch.” While reading and writing about this theme, the practical science applications can certainly be applied. This would certainly be one way to integrate curriculum of language arts, science, social studies (geography), math, and technology. This particular webquest is designed for easy implementation and gathering of data. At the beginning of this project, I would plan to have an aide in the classroom to make sure each group can get to the information needed. Each group would have a designated time to use the computer during the suggested 10:30-12:30 weather reporting time.

4. Manner in which you plan to incorporate the web-based resource.

Before beginning this plan, I would follow the advice on the WebQuest teacher page to obtain epals for teams of students. Classroom Connect. After thoroughly explaining the scope and sequence of this Webquest, assign students to teams so they could start checking the weather forecasts from Weather.com. Students would check this daily for the suggested two-week period, completing the charts and emailing their epals. After the data collection, groups would follow the guidelines for making a class presentation that include: a graph of results, a map locating where the epals live, the weather charts. Details of the project presentation are clearly stated and a student assessment is provided.

5. Expected duration of activities pertaining to that specific web-based resource.

The projected time frame is three weeks. Students will need two weeks to gather the data, and then 3-4 days to prepare their presentation. Presentations can take place in one time frame.

6. Expected total duration of the unit or module incorporating the web-based resource.

The Weather Reading Theme would take six weeks.

7. Connection to school, state or national goals considered most significant at your workplace.

The Weather Webquest would connect to the following Illinois State Goals.

Science (Proposed Springfield Dist. 186 Science Standards and Benchmarks)

Standard 11A. Know and apply the concepts, principles, and process of scientific inquiry

Benchmarks 11A. Collect and record data to construct investigations using estimating, predicting, and communicating.

Standard 12E. Know and apply concepts that describe the features and processes of the Earth and its resources.

Benchmarks 12E. Observe and record daily weather. Identify and describe patterns of weather and seasonal change.

Language:

Standard: 1A Apply work analysis and vocabulary skills to comprehend selections.

Benchmark 1A. Use vocabulary skills.

Standard 4B. Speak effectively using language appropriate to the situation and audience.

Benchmark 4B. Speak for a variety of purposes.

Standard 5A. Locate, organize and use information from various sources to answer questions, solve problems, and communicate ideas.

Benchmark 5A. Locate, organize and use information from various sources to answer questions, solve problems, and communicate ideas.

Benchmark 5C. Communicate acquired information, concepts and ideas.

8. Resources required for you web-based activity component to become a reality.

The classroom would have to have at least one computer with Internet capabilities. The students will need to have resources to be able to communicate with their epals. Elementary teachers are very good at finding ways to use one or two computers in the classroom.