Wishing you were in Hawaii Hawaii
Looking for a lesson that
combines science, persuasive writing, and fun? Then look no further than the
Weather Machine Lesson developed by fourth grade teacher extraordinaire,
Jessica Barber.
I had the pleasure of
visiting Jessica’s classroom and seeing the pride and excitement over the fantastic
Weather Machines her students had created.
Is it too bright outside? Are the clouds that are
blocking the sun annoying you? Well then if this is the case the cloud
controllinator 8,674 will come in handy. The cloud controllinator 8,674 (CC
8,674) can make or remove clouds in the sky. You have the option of storm
clouds, rain clouds or no storm clouds.—Avery
Jessica begins her lesson with a readaloud from an out-of-print book
called Everyone Always Complains About
the Weather by Truman Vega. However, your own favorite picture book about
inventions should do just fine. The idea is to get your students thinking about
inventions, particularly fanciful ones.
Next, Jessica tells her
students they will be creating their own weather machine. She lets them begin
formulating ideas by drawing a picture. Here is an example from a student named
Catherine who created the Weather Wisher 2000.
Starting with the fact that this machine only costs
$20.00, and if you act now you can get 50% off! Also every customer gets free
shipping and handling. It also is solar powered, so it doesn’t make your
electric bill go off the chart. But it will still work perfectly when it's
raining because it stores half its energy, when it’s charging. — Catherine
The following day, Jessica
gives her students a goal. You must describe your machine in a way that will make
others want to buy it. The class discusses commercials. She shows a few
examples. The commercials for products only available on TV may stimulate the
most entertaining pieces.
For a payment of only 75 dollars plus 12 dollars for
shipping and handling and an extra 20 dollars, cause we say so. If you chip in
a donation of any amount we’ll throw in a free Spongebob limited edition movie!
What a snag! –Abi
To develop ideas, Jessica
gives her students a graphic organizer to list positive features of their
weather invention and ways to refute any possible arguments against its
purchase.
You may be wondering, will it run out of fuel
eventually? Well your answer is no, the Storm Master 7006 does not even take
fuel! It is eco friendly and is charged with electricity. With the plug we
provide for you, just plop it into an electrical socket and the power will be
up in under 24 hours! It also holds its energy for a week! But if the Storm
Master 7006 is low in power while in the air, don't worry! It gains electricity
from lightning strikes by redirecting the strikes to its beacon up top,
re-powering it completely from a single strike! – Niko
The graphic organizer
includes boxes for students to put an introductory paragraph with an
interesting lead, the body of the story, and a concluding statement. Jessica spends at least a day
on practicing and sharing introductions and day on strong conclusions. Students
practice multiple versions of introductions and conclusions, using the class
feedback to help to pick their favorite one.
With the Storm Master 7006, the gloominess of the rain
will vanish! Guaranteed a rainbow after every storm!!!!—Niko
Try this lesson today! You
won’t be sorry!
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