Activity Overview
The climate in the Southwest is hot and dry with very little rain. The weather very rarely changes, and droughts are common due to the lack of rainfall. For this activity, the students will create a 2-3 cell story map depicting the climate of the Southwest.
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 2-3 cell storyboard explaining the climate of the Southwest.
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 Engage Elementary Students in Studying the Weather and Climate of the Southwest
Introduction to Southwest Weather and Climate
Begin with an engaging introduction that piques students' curiosity about the weather and climate of the Southwest. Use images, videos, or real-life stories to capture their interest. Provide a basic overview of the climate in the Southwest, including key characteristics such as temperature, precipitation, and seasonal variations.
Hands-On Weather Exploration
Organize hands-on activities that allow students to explore weather phenomena in the Southwest. This might include temperature readings, observing clouds, and exploring weather patterns. Encourage students to keep weather journals or records for a set period to notice patterns and changes.
Interactive Learning and Visual Aids
Utilize interactive learning tools and visual aids to enhance understanding. Incorporate weather maps, charts, and interactive online resources to help students grasp climate patterns. Engage students in discussions about how weather and climate impact their daily lives, including clothing choices, outdoor activities, and the environment.
Student Projects and Presentations
Assign student projects related to Southwest weather and climate. These could include creating weather diaries, weather-themed artwork, or simple climate research reports. Encourage students to present their findings to the class, fostering communication skills and sharing knowledge about the Southwest's weather and climate.
Frequently Asked Questions about US Regions Midwest - Climate
What are the distinctive weather patterns and seasonal changes in the Midwest, and how do they impact daily life and activities throughout the year?
The Midwest experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Winters are cold and often include heavy snowfall, impacting transportation and outdoor activities. Summers are warm and humid, affecting outdoor plans and energy usage. Spring and fall bring milder weather transitions. These seasonal changes influence daily life by shaping clothing choices, outdoor plans, and energy consumption.
What are the best practices for adapting storyboards and worksheets to cater to different grade levels and learning styles when teaching about the climate of the Midwest region?
Adapting storyboards and worksheets for different grade levels involves varying the content's complexity and depth. For younger students, use more visual elements and simplified language. For older students, incorporate data analysis and research projects. Incorporate various learning styles by including visual elements, hands-on activities, discussions, and technology-based tasks to ensure engagement and comprehension.
What are some effective methods for using storyboards and worksheets to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities associated with extreme weather events in the Midwest?
Storyboards can visually depict the impact of extreme weather events, making them more tangible and relatable. Worksheets may include analyzing past storm data, creating safety plans, and discussing emergency preparedness. Engaging students in discussions and simulations can increase their awareness of the potential challenges and the importance of being prepared for severe weather in the Midwest.
More Storyboard That Activities
US Regions: Southwest
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