Activity Overview
Due to its geographical location, the weather in the Midwest is often severe. The winters are long and frigid, and the summers are hot and humid. Blizzards and tornadoes occur frequently in the Midwest. For this activity, students will create a 3 cell spider map that illustrates the climate and weather of the Midwest. Spider maps are an excellent tool to help students organize facts in a systematic and visual manner. To differentiate, teachers could encourage students to complete more than 3 cells.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell storyboard explaining the climate of the Midwest.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a heading for each aspect of the climate you've selected.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading in the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/W/4/7] Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
- [ELA-Literacy/RI/4/4] Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words or phrases in a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area.
- [ELA-Literacy/RI/4/7] Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively (e.g., in charts, graphs, diagrams, time lines, animations, or interactive elements on Web pages) and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears.
- [ELA-Literacy/RI/4/10] By the end of year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, in the grades 4-5 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | There are at least three cells in the storyboard. Titles and descriptions accurately depict the climate. | There are two cells in the storyboard. Titles and descriptions accurately depict the climate. | One cell is correct and the title and description are accurate and complete. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How to Explore Extreme Weather Events in the Midwest
Introduction to Extreme Weather Events in the Midwest
Begin the lesson by providing an overview of the various extreme weather events that can occur in the Midwest, such as tornadoes, floods, thunderstorms, and blizzards. Explain the geographical and climatic factors that make the Midwest region prone to these events. Engage students in a class discussion to elicit their prior knowledge and perceptions about extreme weather in the Midwest.
Research and Data Collection
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific type of extreme weather event common in the Midwest (e.g., tornadoes). Instruct students to research and gather information about their assigned weather event. This may include the causes, characteristics, frequency, and impact on communities. Provide access to a variety of sources, such as articles, videos, and government reports, for students to collect data and insights.
Presentation and Analysis
Have each group prepare a presentation summarizing their findings about the assigned extreme weather event. In these presentations, students should use visuals, statistics, and real-life examples to illustrate the impact and significance of the weather event in the Midwest. After each presentation, engage the class in a discussion to analyze the similarities, differences, and patterns among the various extreme weather events discussed.
Application and Preparedness
Conclude the lesson by discussing the importance of preparedness and safety measures in the face of extreme weather events. Challenge students to create safety plans or informational materials that would help their communities prepare for and respond to the specific weather event they researched. Encourage students to share their preparedness plans or materials with the class or the broader school community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Climate of the Midwest Region
What type of storyboard layout is most effective for visually representing the climate variations in the Midwest, including the influence of the Great Lakes and their effects on local weather patterns?
The most effective storyboard layout for representing Midwest climate variations, especially the influence of the Great Lakes, is a segmented layout. Each segment can focus on a different aspect, such as winter, spring, summer, and fall. In each segment, include visual elements like icons or images that represent key climate characteristics, such as snowflakes for winter and sunshine for summer. Labels and brief descriptions can explain the impact of the Great Lakes on local weather patterns. This segmented approach provides a clear, organized view of the region's climate diversity.
How can I encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students through the use of storyboards and worksheets, especially when exploring complex weather-related challenges and hazards, such as tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in the Midwest?
To encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, use a case-study approach in your worksheets and storyboards. Present real-life scenarios involving tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in the Midwest. Include data, maps, and images related to these weather events. Ask open-ended questions that require students to analyze the information, consider causes and effects, and propose solutions or safety measures. Encourage students to work in groups to discuss and debate strategies for managing such weather-related challenges. This approach fosters analytical skills and prepares students to think critically in the face of complex weather hazards.
What are the most effective ways to introduce climate-related case studies and examples into storyboards and worksheets to make the topic relevant and relatable to students in the Midwest?
To make climate-related topics relevant and relatable, consider incorporating case studies and examples that resonate with students in the Midwest. Begin by selecting case studies that pertain to extreme weather events or climate-related challenges that have affected the region. For example, you can discuss the impacts of a specific severe tornado outbreak or a prolonged heatwave. Use local data and statistics to show the direct relevance of the case study to the Midwest. Include personal narratives or stories from local residents who have experienced extreme weather events. Visualize the case study with maps, images, and graphs to help students understand the context and consequences. By grounding the topic in local experiences and providing tangible examples, you can make climate-related issues more engaging and relatable to students in the Midwest.
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