Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix

Students explore different types of weather and discover how weather conditions can impact farms. Grades 3-5

atmosphere: a layer of gas or layers of gases that surround the Earth or another planet

climate: the prevailing weather conditions in a specific area over a long period of time

forecast: a prediction or estimate of future events

meteorologist: scientist who studies weather patterns and forecasts the weather

weather: the state of the atmosphere at a given place and time in regards to heat, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.

Weather describes the state of the atmosphere, the thick blanket of air surrounding the Earth, at a certain place and time.⁴ Weather is caused by heat, water, and air. Temperature, the amount and type of moisture in the air, and the strength of the wind are different components of the weather. The average weather pattern in a location over several decades is called climate. Climates differ depending on the region of the world.

Severe weather events such as floods, extreme cold or heat, intense winds, hail, or tornadoes can negatively impact farms and ranches. The USDA estimates that 90% of crop losses are related to extreme weather.⁵ Weather forecasts predict what the weather will be on a particular day and can help farmers and ranchers know what to expect and plan for extreme weather. Severe weather warnings can help farmers prevent damage to crops, animals, and properties. 

Meteorologists are scientists who study weather patterns and forecast the weather by observing air temperature, wind direction, humidity, wind speeds, clouds, precipitation, visibility, and atmospheric pressure. Weather instruments, such as thermometers, weather vanes, wind socks, rain gauges, barometers, hygrometers, radars, satellites, and weather balloons, are used to record the weather.

1. Show the class the pages of Thunderstorm by Arthur Geisert. Because this book does not have text, have the students discuss their observations and interpretations of the illustrations.
2. Ask the students, "How did weather affect the farming community in the book?"
3. Explain to the students that they will be exploring different types of weather and how weather conditions can affect farms.

Activity 1: Meteorology

1. Show the Kindergarten Weather Report video. 
2. Ask the students if they have ever watched a real weather report. Ask, "What information is needed to forecast the weather? How do we get that information?"
3. Use the Meteorology Slideshow to explain the jobs of meteorologists and weather reporters and explore the tools used to record the weather.
4. Ask the students, "Why is it important to forecast weather?" (It helps people to be prepared and know what to expect.)
5. Have the students create a class list of different types of weather (rain, snow, thunder, lightning, etc.). Write their ideas on chart paper.
6. Read the book Weather Words and What They Mean by Gail Gibbons. Add additional types of weather to the class list.

Activity 2: Weather Station

1. Explain to the students that they will create a school weather station and document the daily weather conditions.
2. Organize the students into six groups. Assign each group a weather instrument and provide them with the NOAA Weather Station Instruction Sheet and materials needed to make their instrument:
   • Anemometer: An anemometer measures wind speed.
   • Weather vane: A weather vane determines wind direction
   • Barometer: A barometer measures atmospheric pressure.
   • Thermometer: A thermometer measures air temperature.
   • Hygrometer: A hygrometer measures humidity.
   • Rain Gauge: A rain gauge measures rainfall.  
3. After setting up the weather station, have the students make daily weather observations in their Weather Journal.

Activity 3: How Weather Impacts Farms

1. Using the weather list from Activity 1, ask the students, "Which are examples of severe weather?" 
2. Have the students consider how weather conditions can affect farms.
3. Organize the students into six groups. Assign each group a type of severe weather and provide them with a Severe Weather Information Sheet that correlates with their assigned type of weather. Have the groups go through the reading, watch the weather video, and create a weather report to warn farmers and ranchers about the weather event. 
   • Flooding: Farmers Wait for Dry Weather
   • Extreme Cold: How Farmers Protect Crops Against Winter Weather
   • Hot and Dry: Hot, Dry Weather Takes Toll on Farm Animals
   • Wind: Iowa Farmers Face Aftermath of Powerful Derecho Windstorm
   • Hail: Area Farm Crops Damaged by Severe Weather
   • Tornado: Tornado Smacks Iowa Farm
4. Weather reports can be performed live for the class or recorded. The report should describe the weather event, what to expect, and how farmers can prepare.
5. Allow time for the groups to share their weather reports with the class.
6. Discuss the impacts of weather to farms and how detailed forecasting can help farmers know what to expect and prepare for severe weather. 

After conducting these activities, review and summarize the following key concepts:

• Weather conditions can impact farms.
• A meteorologist is a scientist who studies weather patterns and forecasts the weather.
• Meteorologists use different tools to forecast the weather.
• Weather forecasts help farmers know what to expect and prepare for severe weather.

1. https://weather.com/storms/severe/news/2021-06-24-texas-record-hailstone-hondo-confirmed
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highest_temperature_recorded_on_Earth
3. https://www.nature.com/articles/125728b0
4. https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/weather-atmosphere
5. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimfoerster/2019/02/15/todays-extreme-winter-weather-can-impact-tomorrows-crop-farming/?sh=15528596fbce

• AgBadging Field Guide
• Farm Boots
• It Feels Like Snow
• It Feels Like Snow
• Sleep Tight Farm
• Snow Comes to the Farm
• Thunder Cake
• Thunderstorm
• Water is Water
• Weather Harvest Game
• Weather Wisdoms
• Weather Words and What They Mean
• Winter on the Farm