Activity 3 Teacher Guide
Title: Interactive Climate
Grade Level: 3rd grade
STEM Content Standards:
Science
o 3-ESS2-1: Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical
weather conditions expected during a particular season
o 3-ESS2-2: Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different
regions of the world.
Math
o AR.Math.Content.3.MD.B.3: Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph
to represent a data set with several categories (e.g., Draw a bar graph in which
each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets)
Reading
o RI.3.5: Use text features and search tools (e.g, key words, sidebars, hyperlinks) to
locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently
Writing
o W.3.7: Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic
o W.3.8: Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and
digital sources. Take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided
categories
Speech
o SL.3.4: Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience with
appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking clearly at an
understandable pace
Standards for Technological Literacy
o Standard 1: Design solutions by safely using tools, materials, and skills
o Standard 7: Illustrate that there are multiple approaches to a design
Big Ideas:
There are many ways to obtain information and share information
We can use technology to enhance our lives and our projects
We can conduct research using a variety of sources
Different regions of the world have different climates which affects how they live
Essential Question: How can I create a poster that is interactive and teaches people about
different climates around the world?
Scenario: Buzz and Fly Guy want your help learning more about the different climates on Earth.
You are going to be climatologists for the day and teach them about a specific climate by
creating a poster! However, you will need to make it interactive so that it is accessible to all.
Challenge: Conduct research on a particular climate around the world and create a poster to
inform others about that climate. Then, bring that poster to life by using Scratch to program the
MakeyMakey and have your poster talk
Tools, Materials, and Resources:
“Fly Guy Presents: Weather”
Computer
Canva.com
Scratch.com
MakeyMakey
Paper fasteners
Printer
Cardboard
Paper
Markers
Pencils
Climate books to use for research
Content information:
Review these topics before teaching a lesson:
o Climates
Temperate
Tropical
Desert
Polar
o Climatologists (scientist that studies Earth’s climates)
Read the book “Fly Guy Presents: Weather”
Teacher Tips: Give the students specific points they need to include in their poster. These could
include where on earth the climate is, what it is like in each season, how it affects the people
living there, what people in that climate wear, what animals are present in that climate, etc. The
more topics you want them to research, the longer this project will take. Additionally, it would
be helpful to provide books as well as links to websites that the students can use for the research
aspect.
Results:
Completed poster on one of four climates that includes
o Information included on poster
Scratch program that brings the poster to life by using MakeyMakey. Students should
record them reading the information on the poster
Limitations:
Poster can be hand drawn or use Canva.com but it must be neat and legible
Must finish during allotted class time
Must work in groups and all students must contribute
