Skymath

Topic:  Understanding Weather Through Math

Source:  University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, 1996; Evaluations by Insites, a non-profit organization who specializes in assessing educational materials

Web Address: http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/staff/blynds/Skymath.html

Grade level:  MS

Learning strategies:  Structured experiences, open-ended explorations, utilizing data sets, and student-centered activities

Frameworks Connections:

Science and Technology/Engineering

• Earth and Space Science, Grades 9-10

 

3. Earth Processes and Cycles

Mathematics, Grades 5-6

 

• Patterns, Relations and Algebra

 

• Measurement

 

• Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability

Mathematics, Grades 7-8

 

• Patterns Relations and Algebra

 

• Data Analysis, Statistic and Probability

Cost:  Free activities, some software is costly (upwards of $200)

Description: Skymath is a module prepared by the Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) to use the science and language of patterns to explore temperature, and make mathematical connections.  Skymath activities are modeled after a KWL design (Know, Want to learn, and Learn), a common research-based feature which uses a developmental approach. 

All activities allow the students to use their basic skills to 'elicit higher-level thinking, reflection and the communication of mathematical ideas'.  The downloaded unit contains a calendar of events, student goals for each activity, lists of books and Internet resources, and supplies needed for the activities.  The activities contain aspects such as background information, how to use the software, math goals, ongoing assessment, and brainstorming activities.  Students will collect and exchange their data with other students in the class, with the focus on developing a method for representing change in temperature and measuring, representing and analyzing these changes. 

The general sections include getting started with the activities, understanding scales and measuring, data representation and change, and a final student-produced project and presentation.  The website contains reproducible masters in Spanish, links to other educational materials and related topics, and a letter to be sent to the parents when beginning this unit.