Weather Unit

In this engaging and comprehensive weather unit, students will explore, analyze, and apply their understanding of key atmospheric processes. They will learn how the sun powers all weather on Earth by driving the movement of air masses and the development of high- and low-pressure systems.

Through interactive lessons, students will analyze how weather fronts form, interpret weather maps, and use real-world data to predict weather conditions. This unit helps students make meaningful connections between scientific concepts and the weather they experience every day.

 

⭐️ Download the Free Weather Unit Plan for closer look!

 

The 8-day unit also includes both formative and summative assessments to monitor student understanding throughout. Designed to be rigorous, engaging, and standards-aligned, this unit ensures students master key weather concepts through hands-on, inquiry-based learning that brings atmospheric science to life.

 

WEATHER UNIT TOPICS:

• Weather versus climate
• Air masses
• Weather fronts
• Air pressure systems
• Wind
• Analyzing weather maps
• Weather instruments
• Global weather patterns

 

No planning and low-prep!

 

INCLUDED WEATHER UNIT RESOURCES:

• FREE Weather Unit Plan

Big Ideas, Standards, Vocabulary, Objectives, Essential Questions, Enduring Understandings, Pacing Guide, Unit Plan, Editable Templates, and More! Impress your administration and save time with this pre-made comprehensive unit plan!

 

• Weather Pre-Test

Activate prior knowledge and get an idea where your kids are in their grasp weather topics.

 

• Weather Webquest

In this engaging weather webquest, students will explore, learn, and apply knowledge about air masses, weather fronts, air pressure systems, and weather maps. Highly interactive and students love it!

 

• Weather Presentation with Notes and Formative Assessment

This engaging Weather PowerPoint and Google Slides presentation package comes with 50 beautifully illustrated slides, editable students notes, an assessment to use as a comprehension check, and a Kahoot review game.

 

• Weather Stations Lab

These student-led weather stations are a great way to get your kids moving and interacting with content in a variety of fun and engaging ways! Students will learn, interact, and explore various weather topics including air masses, air pressure systems, weather fronts, wind, and weather maps.

 

• Weather Map Activity

Students create and analyze a current weather map using a live surface weather map using the provided link. Students draw in and label weather fronts, air pressure systems, and precipitation, and answer analysis question about the map to predict future weather.

 

• Weather Quiz and Summative Assessment with Question Bank

Choose from a 165-question question bank or use the already made 40-question Weather Test. A 20-question quiz is also included!

 

SUB PLANS:

• Weather Video Handout – Wild Weather Documentary

This engaging weather video handout is designed to accompany the captivating 58-minute freeBBC documentary,Wild Weather with Richard Hammond, Episode 3:Temperature – The Driving Force. The film explores the essential role temperature plays in shaping all types of weather, from thunderstorms to snowflakes.

 

REMEDIATION ACTIVITY:

• Weather Reading Comprehension

Students will read about weather fronts, air pressure systems, isobars, and how to read and analyze weather maps. Your students will apply their new knowledge by answering questions throughout the reading portion, analyze a weather map, and complete comprehension questions at the end.

 

WEATHER UNIT NGSS:

• HS-ESS2-4: Use a model to describe how variations in the flow of energy into and out of Earth’s systems result in changes in climate. (Relates to the sun as the energy source behind weather and climate differences.)
• HS-ESS2-5: Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes. (Supports understanding of water vapor, cloud formation, and precipitation.)
• HS-ESS2-6: Develop a quantitative model to describe the cycling of carbon among the hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. (Can connect to atmospheric processes and longer-term climate implications.)
• MS-ESS2-5: Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions. (Core standard for understanding air masses, weather fronts, and resulting weather patterns.)
• MS-ESS2-6: Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating and the rotation of the Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates. (Supports learning about the sun’s energy, global wind patterns, and climate zones.)
• MS-ESS2-1: Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives this process. (Connects to the role of energy in weather systems and atmospheric movement.)

 

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