Weather Statistics Activity

Integers Using Weather Statistics

SUBJECT:

Math and Science

GRADE LEVEL:

7th and 8th

OBJECTIVES:

1. To demonstrate different problem solving skills involving data gathering and interpretation.


2. Identify and record the extreme temperatures of the United States in the months of July and January 1996.


3. Create a graph showing the data.


4. Using the addition and subtraction integer rules, find the differences between the extreme temperatures.

RESOURCES/MATERIALS:

• Computer


• Access to the Internet


• Spreadsheet program with graphing abilities


• Integer rules


• Paper and pencil

ACTIVITIES:

1. Students will pair/group together to "search" the weather extreme temperatures for the United States in the months of July and January.



2. Divide the days among pairs/groups so students will have varied graphs and results. Ex. One pair/gr collect data of even days in July and January.



3. Take the results of data and input into a spreadsheet program and create a line graph to interpret the information.



4. Using the integer rules, have students find the differences between a July high extreme day and the same January high extreme day. Ex. July 1st and January1st highs 121 - 85 = 36. Or the differences of low extreme days in both months on the 9th. Ex. 29 - (-48) = 77.



5. Have students add and subtract the extremes within the same months. Ex. July1st low and January 31st low - 28 - (- 46) = 18.

FOLLOW-UP:

Students find it very difficult to transfer the memorization of integer rules. Using the Internet, students are so excited to find information they do not mind pulling out the rules we make them write down and memorize. Now, there is actually a use for finding differences of integers other than book problems. Another way to make the students "own" integers in this lesson is to have them make up their own problems involving the weather statistics. Then, they can compete using their made up problems. Science can be intergrated by determining how extreme temperatures are determined and why those temperatures can occur in those particular cities.Weather Front Page, from USA Today, is a good place to start with an extension.