Before using these tasks, consider reviewing the Guidance for Use document, which provides suggestions for the most effective ways the TDSciN Task Library can be used to support high-quality science teaching and learning.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TASK
Driving Phenomenon: During an interesting weather event on February 1, 2015, Chattanooga received snow and Knoxville did not (even though Knoxville is farther north). Students try to figure out how this could happen.
Tennessee Academic Standards for Science and Next Generation Science Standards Learning Targets
Tennessee Academic Standards for Science
- 6.ESS2.6: Explain how relationships between the movement and interactions of air masses, high and low pressure systems, and frontal boundaries result in weather conditions and severe storms.
- 6.ESS2.5: Analyze and interpret data from weather conditions, weather maps, satellites, and radar to predict probable local weather patterns and conditions.
Next Generation Science Standards
- Science and Engineering Practices
Developing and Using Models- Middle School Element: Develop and /or use a model to predict and/or describe phenomena.
- Middle School Element: Develop or modify a model — based on evidence — to match what happens if a variable or component of a system is changed.
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
- Middle School Element: Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for phenomena.
- Disciplinary Core Ideas
ESS2.D Weather and Climate- Middle School Element: Because these patterns are so complex, weather can only be predicted probabilistically.
- Crosscutting Concepts
Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Prediction- Middle School Element: Cause and effect relationships may be used to predict phenomena in natural or designed systems.
System and System Models
- Middle School Element: Models are limited in that they only represent certain aspects of the system under study.
The Tennessee District Science Network was funded by Arconic Foundation.