Student Pages - Lesson 5 - Collecting Weather Data
In lesson 5, you will use real time weather data and learn how to plot that data on a weather map. You will not be able to collect all of your data in one day but keep in mind that scientists collect and record all of their data at the same time every day. Collect weather data for the default cities as well as for your local area.
The default cities you will use are:
- KBIL: BILLINGS, MONTANA
- KDFW: DALLAS, TEXAS
- KDEN: DENVER, COLORADO
- KTPA: TAMPA, FLORIDA
- KSTL: ST LOUIS, MISSOURI
- KJAN: JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
- KPHX: PHOENIX, ARIZONA
- KBOS: BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
- KHSE: CAPE HATTERAS, NORTH CAROLINA
- KPHL: PITTSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
- KGEG: SPOKANE, WASHINGTON
- KCMH: COLUMBUS, OHIO
- KOKC: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA
Use the following links to access real-time data for the default cities:
- http://weather.unisys.com/surface/meteogram/index.html
- http://weather.unisys.com/surface/meteogram/details.html
- http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/synoptic/wxmaps.htm Review of symbols and their meanings.
Use the following procedures as you work through these activities:
- Use these headings for your spread sheet: temperature, cloud cover, amount of precipitation, wind speed direction, relative humidity, and air pressure
- Record your data in your spread sheet as you collect it.
- Create a graph to illustrate your data.
- Include your local weather data in your spread sheet to compare with the data collected from the default cities.
- Summarize your findings for each set of data that you collect and discuss this with your teacher.
When you have collected all of your data, predict what the weather will be in the next 24-hours for each of the default cities. Ask yourself, "What weather patterns are likely to occur based on the data I have collected and what I have learned about weather conditions?".
Enter your information in your journal and summarize your results. Your teacher will choose a date for you to share your findings with your class.
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