“Weather”… You Like it or Not A Weather Unit Introduction

What do you think about, when you hear the word “WEATHER?” First, brainstorm using a Circle Map. Next, be prepared to share everything you know about the weather… with your elbow buddy!

Were any of these words mentioned? Temperature? Clouds? Meteorology or Meteorologist? Natural Disasters? Thunderstorms? Weather Instruments? There are so many words related to WEATHER… these are just a few!

Now…as you learn about the “WEATHER,” don’t forget to take notes Now…as you learn about the “WEATHER,” don’t forget to take notes. Whenever you see the icon below, refer to your notes page to write down important facts and information.

Let’s begin! “Weather” you like it or not.

What do you call a scientist who studies the weather? Weathermologist Climatologist Meteorologist

What do you call a scientist who studies the weather? Weathermologist Climatologist Meteorologist

Meteorology: a science that deals with the atmosphere and its phenomena and especially with weather and weather forecasting.

Meteorologist: One who studies meteorology Meteorologist: One who studies meteorology. One who reports and forecasts weather conditions. Click the photo to watch a short video.

Some tools Meteorologists use are: Weather Satellites Weather Radar

What other types of instruments do meteorologists (forecasters) use? barometers thermometers anemometers all of the above

What other types of instruments do meteorologists (forecasters) use? barometers thermometers anemometers all of the above

Let’s take a look at some… Weather Instruments

An instrument used to measure temperature. Thermometer An instrument used to measure temperature.

An instrument used to measure humidity in the air. Hygrometer An instrument used to measure humidity in the air.

Humidity The amount of water vapor in the air is referred to as humidity. Humidity can be measured in a number of ways. By absolute humidity, specific humidity, and relative humidity. Absolute and specific humidity measure the exact physical amount of water in the air. Relative humidity compares how much water is in the air with how much could be in the air . Relative humidity is the most common way that we measure humidity.

An instrument used to measure the speed of the wind. Click on the anemometer to watch a short video segment! Anemometer An instrument used to measure the speed of the wind.

An instrument used to measure high and low pressure in the air. Barometer An instrument used to measure high and low pressure in the air.

An instrument used to measure the direction of the wind. Wind Vane An instrument used to measure the direction of the wind.

An instrument used to measure the amount of rain that has fallen. Rain Gauge An instrument used to measure the amount of rain that has fallen.

Quick Quiz! Which instrument would you use to measure air pressure? Hygrometer Barometer

Quick Quiz! Which instrument would you use to measure air pressure? Hygrometer Barometer

Quick Quiz! Which instrument would you use to measure wind speed? Wind Vane Anemometer

Quick Quiz! Which instrument would you use to measure wind speed? Wind Vane Anemometer

WOW. Learning all this information can make your mind a little cloudy WOW! Learning all this information can make your mind a little cloudy. So, let’s learn about clouds!

A cloud is a large collection of very tiny droplets of water or ice crystals. The droplets are so small and light that they can float in the air.

High Clouds = Cirrus Cirrus Cirrostratus Cirrocumulus Above 18,000 feet Cirrus clouds are the most common of the high clouds. They are composed of ice and are thin, wispy clouds blown in high winds into long streamers.

Middle Clouds = Alto Altostratus Altocumulus 6,500 feet - 18,000 feet Altostratus clouds are gray or blue-gray mid level clouds composed of ice crystals and water droplets.

Low Clouds = Stratus Stratus Stratocumulus Nimbostratus Up to 6,500 feet Stratus clouds are uniform grayish clouds that often cover the entire sky.

Have you seen these types of clouds before?

What comes to mind, when you hear “Natural Disasters?” First, discuss your thoughts with your elbow buddy. Next, as a class we will create a list of some natural disasters.

Weather instruments can’t prevent natural disasters from occurring Weather instruments can’t prevent natural disasters from occurring. But, they can offer us a warning. Let’s look at a few examples of…

Tsunamis Hurricanes Floods Mudslides Tornadoes

“Weather” you like it or not…I hope you learned some additional information about weather. Now, complete the 3-2-1 section on your handout and be prepared to share your learning.