Weather (Anemometer- Upper Grades)

Launch-  Have students share things they already know about weather forecasting as well as things they are still wondering. Discussion from this chart will lead to the focus question.

What we know about weather forecasting	What we’re still wondering

Focus Question: How do we use technology to investigate our Earth/ the weather? How does technology help forecast the weather?

Prediction: I predict the anemometer will spin if it is windy but won't if there is no wind. I believe this to be true because their would be nothing to make the cups spin if there was wind.

Planning: Dixie cups, straws, masking tape, pencils, thumb tacks.

- Have students stick the straws through the cups.
- Tape the straws to the top of the pencil with the eraser.
- Then stick the thumb tack into the eraser to hold the straws and cups in place.

Data: Have students go outside and complete the chart below to measure the wind speed. 

Number of spins	Number of seconds (Intervals of 10 sec.)

Claims & Evidence: I claim that the wind was not blowing when I tested my anemometer because it did not spin.

Conclusion: Create a class "What we learned" chart and have students share their thoughts after conducting this investigation.

Questions: What other technology would you want to learn about that measures the weather?