Daily Weather Log

Overview

In this lesson, students learn to collect temperature and weather-condition data each day and record it accurately in a daily weather log. They build on prior lessons in the unit by using measuring tools, observation, and simple data recording to support pattern noticing.

Learning intentions

• Students will be able to measure and record temperature using a thermometer and record the weather condition using descriptive words.
• Students will be able to add and subtract one-step word problems about temperature changes using the same units.
• Students will be able to represent one week of weather information in a clear log using numbers, symbols, and words.
• Students will be able to describe patterns they notice from their collected data during a brief class weather check-in.

Success criteria

• I can record the day’s temperature in my log using a consistent unit (degrees).
• I can record a weather condition using a description and a matching symbol.
• I can complete temperature change sentences (difference questions) using addition or subtraction.
• I can explain one pattern or observation about the class’s weather data.

Curriculum links

• Measurement and Data — CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.A.2 (measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses; and solve one-step word problems using same units, represented with drawings if helpful) is used as the unit-measure mindset for accurate measuring and one-step problem solving with recorded data.
• Measurement and Data — CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.A.1 (tell and write time to the nearest minute; solve word problems with addition/subtraction of time intervals) supports using “daily check-in time” and one-step addition/subtraction structures during data check-ins.
• Measurement and Data — CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.B.4 (generate measurement data with rulers and show using line plots) connects to graphing thinking as students prepare to display temperature over days later in the unit.

Lesson structure (45 minutes)

1. 0–6 min · Weather check-in routine. Teacher leads a brief morning-style routine: students look at a prepared “today’s weather station” (thermometer, observation chart, weather symbols). Students share quick observations (“I notice…”) and identify the weather category for today.

2. 6–16 min · Direct teach: thermometer reading and recording. Teacher models how to read a thermometer carefully (where the liquid level stops) and how to record the temperature in the log template. Students practice by reading a sample thermometer from a card and writing the temperature and weather symbol in pencil.

3. 16–27 min · Guided practice: complete today’s log entry. Teacher provides each group with a thermometer, weather observation chart, and log template. Students observe the weather condition (sunny, cloudy, rainy, windy, etc.) and record:

• temperature number
• weather description
• matching weather symbol Teacher circulates for accuracy and correct unit consistency.

4. 27–34 min · Math focus: one-step temperature change problem. Teacher displays a word problem on the board using the same unit (example: “Yesterday’s temperature was 68°. Today is 73°. How much warmer is today?”). Students solve using a number line or drawing, then write an equation.

5. 34–41 min · Data sense: pattern talk with the class. Teacher asks: “What is similar or different about today compared to one previous day?” using previously saved class entries from the unit. Students do a quick turn-and-talk and then one student shares a pattern sentence starter: “I notice that ___.”

6. 41–45 min · Exit ticket. Students complete one short entry check: write the temperature, circle the correct weather symbol, and answer one subtraction/addition item about a temperature change from a provided pair of numbers.

Resources

• Thermometers (class set or group set) and thermometer reading cards
• Weather observation chart with a symbol key
• Daily weather log templates (print and digital option)
• Pencil, eraser; colored pencils for temperature range
• Pre-made “temperature range” color chart
• Sentence starters for weather descriptions and pattern statements
• Number line paper for math problem support
• Student digital logging option (tablet/Chromebook) if available
• Dyslexia-friendly reading option cards (chunked directions, larger print)

Assessment

• Teacher observation during thermometer reading: correct reading and placement on the log.
• Quick review of logs mid-activity for accurate weather symbol matching and number recording.
• Exit ticket accuracy: correct symbol + temperature + one-step addition/subtraction answer.
• Pattern talk: listen for at least one specific, data-based statement during share-out.

Differentiation

• Dyslexia-friendly support: provide chunked log directions, larger-print templates, and a visual thermometer “reading steps” card; allow oral dictation of weather description that a teacher/peer writes if needed.
• ELL support: offer a word bank (sunny, cloudy, rainy, windy, warm, cool) with picture supports and sentence frames (“Today is ___. The temperature is ___°.”).
• Down syndrome support: provide a clear visual weather symbol key and teach a consistent “symbol-first” recording routine; use the same symbol set daily.
• ADHD support: offer a digital logging option to reduce writing fatigue; provide short task checks (“Read the thermometer. Record. Circle symbol. Done.”).
• Exceptional learners support: simplified log that records only one variable (temperature only, or weather condition only) with fewer lines.
• Extension for advanced learners: after their entry, they add a second one-step problem using their own two temperatures (yesterday and today) and write a full sentence answer.