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CareerStart lessons: Grade six

2.4 Meteorologists: Working with data analysis

By Kim Abrams, Mike McDowell, and Barbara Strange · Edited by Julie McCann

Provided by CareerStart

Learning outcomes

  • Students will solve problems using integers, graphs and spreadsheets, and measures of central tendency.
  • Students will understand how these concepts apply to careers in meteorology.

    • Teacher planning

    Materials needed

    Time required for lesson

    • One class period for reading selection and questions
    • Optional: One class period for enrichment activity (spreadsheet and/or double line graph)

    Procedure

    1. Read selection “Life as a Meteorologist” as whole class, in pairs, or individually.
    2. Discuss the article as a whole class.
    3. Have the students answer questions 1-9 individually and finish the last question for homework.
    4. Enrichment activity: Have students follow the given directions to create a spreadsheet and double line graph of the monthly highs and lows of a European capital. This activity can be completed at home or in a computer lab.

    Websites

    Optional resources for more information on the topics covered in this lesson

    Careers in Meteorology
    This interactive game on the Weather Channel Kids website allows kids to find out more information about careers as meteorologists and get to know the Weather Channel’s experts.
    Make a Weather Station
    The Miami Museum of Science hosts an interactive activity allowing kids to build a weather station that measures wind, air pressure, moisture, and temperature using household items.
    Web Weather for Kids
    On this website, students can learn about wild weather and safety, play games to learn about types of clouds, read severe weather stories, get ideas hands-on weather activities, and try their hand at forecasting the weather!
    Weather Watch
    Scholastic’s weather website gives students the opportunity to observe clouds, gather weather data, investigate climate conditions, and forecast weather. Students can also learn about severe weather and read an interview with a meteorologist.
    Career: Meteorologists
    The College Board explains what high school courses and higher education degrees students need to become meteorologists.
    Bureau of Labor Statistics: Atmospheric Scientists
    The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides detailed information on the nature of the work; training, other qualifications, and advancement; employment; job outlook; earnings; and related occupations.

    North Carolina curriculum alignment

    Mathematics (2004)

    Grade 6

    • Goal 1: Number and Operations - The learner will understand and compute with rational numbers.
      • Objective 1.01: Develop number sense for negative rational numbers.
        • Connect the model, number word, and number using a variety of representations, including the number line.
        • Compare and order.
        • Make estimates in appropriate situations.

    Grade 7

    • Goal 4: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will understand and use graphs and data analysis.
      • Objective 4.02: Calculate, use, and interpret the mean, median, mode, range, frequency distribution, and inter-quartile range for a set of data.