This hands-on weather map activity has students BUILD THEIR OWN WEATHER MAP, analyze it, and use it to make predictions. Teach students to read isobars, air pressure systems, and cold fronts while making real-world weather predictions using data analysis and Claims-Evidence-Reasoning.
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In this activity, students will:
- READ background information about air pressure systems and types of fronts, plus how each is represented on a weather map.
- CREATE A WEATHER MAP by following clear, step-by-step instructions. They will add isobar lines to two pressure systems, label the pressure systems as high- or low-pressure, and draw a front symbol between them.
- ANSWER FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS by using the information in the background section and looking at their completed graph.
- COMPLETE A CER SECTION based on their completed map.
Main Topics Covered:
- Isobars – Lines connecting areas of equal air pressure on weather maps
- Air Pressure Systems – High-pressure (H) and low-pressure (L) systems and their characteristics
- Weather Prediction – Using pressure patterns to predict weather conditions (clear/calm vs. stormy)
- Wind Patterns – How wind speed relates to isobar spacing and moves clockwise around highs, counterclockwise around lows
- Fronts – Boundaries between cold and warm air masses
Teacher Notes:
- Answer keys are always included.
- Please note that this hands-on weather map activity is not editable.
- NGSS Standard: MS-ESS2-5
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