Virginia SOL 4.4

4.4 is a Standards of Learning science standard. These are the key ideas and practices under it.

• 4.4.a

  weather measurements create a record that can be used to make weather predictions

• 4.4.b

  common and extreme weather events affect ecosystems

• 4.4.c

  long term seasonal weather trends determine the climate of a region.

01

What Students Need to Do

Students collect weather measurements, record patterns, and use the record to make a supported forecast. They explain how weather events affect living things and distinguish daily weather from regional climate patterns.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

A student can read temperature, rainfall, wind, and cloud data and predict likely weather using evidence. The student can describe ecosystem effects and use seasonal records to compare climates.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may confuse weather with climate or use one unusual day to describe a region’s climate. They may treat forecasts as guesses without evidence. They may name storm damage but overlook effects on food, water, shelter, and habitats.

04

How to Assess It

Give students a seven-day weather table and a seasonal graph. Ask them to predict day eight, cite two data points, name one ecosystem effect, and identify which graph shows climate.

1. 01

   Set up a class weather station with a thermometer, rain gauge, wind vane, and cloud chart, then record data for five days.

2. 02

   Ask, “How could a week of heavy rain change a pond ecosystem?” and require one effect on plants and one on animals.

3. 03

   Play Forecast Relay: teams study three-day weather data cards, choose tomorrow’s forecast, and defend it with two measurements.

4. 04

   Compare monthly temperature and rainfall graphs for Virginia and Arizona, then choose suitable crops for each region and explain why.

• 2.7

  The student will investigate and understand that weather patterns and seasonal changes affect plants, animals, and their surroundings. Key ideas include

• 1.7

  The student will investigate and understand that there are weather and seasonal changes. Key ideas include

• 3.8

  The student will investigate and understand that natural events and humans influence ecosystems. Key ideas include

• 2.6

  The student will investigate and understand that there are different types of weather on Earth. Key ideas include