Unit 11 — Environmental Science - Weather and Water
Description
Students investigate weather systems, water cycles, and related environmental challenges. In April, students observe rain, collect precipitation data, and create pictographs. Students identify problems caused by weather and engineer solutions such as waterproof shelters or drainage systems. In March, students create rain gutters and test their effectiveness. Students observe and record weather data, then design solutions to weather-related problems. The unit connects earth science concepts with engineering design and includes data collection and analysis aligned to climate and environmental standards.
Essential Questions
- How does weather affect our environment and structures?
- How do we design for water management?
- What data can we collect about weather patterns?
- How can we engineer solutions to weather challenges?
Learning Objectives
- Observe and record weather phenomena
- Understand water cycles and precipitation
- Collect and analyze weather data
- Design water management systems
- Test and improve drainage or water-resistant designs
- Create pictographs and graphs of weather data
- Apply engineering to environmental challenges
Supplemental Resources
- Graph paper for pictographs and bar graphs
- Markers and crayons for data displays
- Measuring cups for water testing
- Clipboards for data collection in outdoor observations
- Index cards for recording daily weather observations
Earth and Space Sciences
Algorithms and Programming
Data and Analysis
Engineering Design
Interaction of Technology and Humans
Digital Literacy
Measurement
Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Students write informative texts to explain engineering design processes and create digital stories about investigations. Students engage in collaborative discussions during design challenges and present findings about prototypes and solutions.
Students measure lengths of objects using appropriate tools and units, create bar graphs and picture graphs to represent data, and use addition and subtraction to solve word problems involving measurements and comparisons.
Students investigate environmental issues and climate change, consider multiple perspectives on resource management, and explore how communities make decisions about environmental protection and sustainability.
Formative Assessments
- Weather observation and data collection
- Pictograph creation from rain data
- Design and testing of rain gutters or drainage systems
- Measurement of water flow and accumulation
- Sketches of improved solutions
Summative Assessment
Completed rain management or water conservation design project with data graphs and evaluation
Benchmark Assessment
— not configured —
Alternative Assessment
Students may demonstrate understanding through verbal descriptions of weather observations and water cycle steps, supported by picture cards or diagrams. Data collection may be simplified to fewer data points, and pictographs may be created with pre-made symbols or teacher-provided templates.
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
Students may benefit from visual supports such as labeled weather diagrams, picture-supported data recording sheets, and step-by-step graphic organizers that break the engineering design process into manageable stages. For data collection and graphing tasks, provide pre-formatted pictograph templates and allow students to dictate observations or use oral responses in place of extended written recording. Hands-on, concrete materials during design and testing phases help reinforce understanding of water movement and drainage concepts. Frequent check-ins during multi-step tasks, along with a model of a completed design or graph, support students in staying on track without reducing the rigor of the science and engineering concepts.
Section 504
Students should be given extended time during data collection, design testing, and graphing tasks to reduce pressure and allow for accurate observation and recording. Preferential seating near demonstration areas ensures students can clearly see water flow experiments and modeling of the engineering design process. Directions for multi-step activities such as building and testing drainage systems should be provided in both verbal and written form, with key steps highlighted for easy reference.
ELL / MLL
Visual supports such as illustrated weather vocabulary cards, labeled diagrams of the water cycle, and picture-based data recording tools help students access the science content while building domain-specific language. Directions for engineering and data tasks should be given in short, clear steps, and teachers should invite students to retell instructions in their own words before beginning. Where possible, connecting weather phenomena to students' home environments and experiences supports both comprehension and engagement with the unit's environmental themes.
At Risk (RTI)
Connecting new concepts such as the water cycle and precipitation to familiar, everyday experiences — like puddles after rain or water running down a driveway — provides meaningful entry points into the unit's earth science content. Simplifying the initial scope of the engineering design task, such as focusing on testing one design variable at a time, allows students to build confidence and understanding before increasing complexity. Providing partially completed data recording sheets and pictograph templates reduces barriers to participation while keeping students engaged in genuine scientific observation and problem-solving.
Gifted & Talented
Students who have demonstrated strong grasp of water cycle concepts and basic engineering design can be challenged to investigate how geography, surface materials, or urban development affect water drainage and runoff in real-world contexts. Encouraging students to introduce additional variables into their design testing — such as comparing multiple drainage materials or simulating different rainfall intensities — deepens engagement with both the science and engineering practices. Students may also explore broader environmental questions, such as how communities manage stormwater or design for flood prevention, connecting their design work to authentic climate and sustainability challenges.