Activity Overview
The climate in the West region varies due to its immense size and changes in elevation. Northern parts of the region, such as Washington and Oregon, have a mild climate and a lot of rainfall. On the other hand, Colorado and Wyoming are colder and get a lot of snow due to the high elevation and abundance of mountains. For this activity, students will create a 3 cell spider map that illustrates varying climate and weather of the West. 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 West.
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.
- [ELA-LITERACY/WHST/6-8/2/B] Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
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 Use Climate Spider Maps for Regional Comparisons
Introduction to Climate Spider Maps and Regional Comparisons
Begin by introducing students to the concept of climate spider maps and explain their purpose in comparing climate data between regions. Provide context for why this skill is valuable.
Selection of Regions and Data Gathering
Instruct students to choose two or more regions for comparison, such as the West Region and another region in the United States or around the world. Teach students how to gather climate data for these regions, including temperature, precipitation, and other relevant variables. They can use reputable online sources, weather data apps, or historical climate data.
Creating Climate Spider Maps
Guide students in creating climate spider maps for the selected regions. Explain how to represent data points, scales, and labels on the maps effectively. Have students label the axes of the spider maps with the climate variables they are comparing (e.g., temperature, precipitation, humidity), and create scales that accurately reflect the data.
Comparing and Analyzing Climate Spider Maps
Instruct students on how to compare and analyze the climate spider maps they've created. Encourage them to identify patterns, similarities, and differences between the regions. Facilitate discussions or activities where students can share their findings, draw conclusions, and explore the implications of these climate comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions about US Regions West - Climate
What is the typical weather pattern along the Pacific Coast of the Western United States, and how does it affect the region's lifestyle and agriculture?
Along the Pacific Coast, the climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and dry, sunny summers. This maritime climate is conducive to a thriving lifestyle with outdoor activities year-round. It also supports agriculture, with crops like grapes and citrus thriving due to the temperate climate, while the wet winters contribute to fertile soils and water resources.
How can storyboards effectively illustrate the diverse climate patterns and weather phenomena found in the Western United States?
Storyboards can visually depict diverse climate patterns in the Western US, from the mild coastal regions to arid deserts and mountainous terrain. Visual elements can include temperature graphs, maps displaying precipitation patterns, and illustrations of unique weather phenomena like Chinook winds or Santa Ana winds.
How can storyboards and worksheets be adapted to cater to different learning styles when teaching about the climate of the Western US, ensuring that all students can engage with the material effectively?
Storyboards and worksheets can cater to various learning styles by incorporating visual elements for visual learners, audio components for auditory learners, and interactive activities for kinesthetic learners. Providing options for students to explore the material in different ways ensures accessibility for all.
How can educators encourage students to think critically about climate resilience and adaptation in the Western US, and how can storyboards and worksheets facilitate discussions about these topics?
Educators can foster critical thinking by asking students to analyze past climate-related events, explore the impacts of climate change, and brainstorm adaptation strategies. Storyboards can visualize these discussions, depicting scenarios, adaptation measures, and the consequences of inaction, thereby encouraging thoughtful analysis and problem-solving.
More Storyboard That Activities
US Regions: West
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