Analysis

Subject: Weather/Science

According to fresnostate.edu, the analysis level of learning should involve collecting evidence, making predictions, and discovering new ideas. Games can provide deep and meaningful learning for students (Shute & Ke, 2012).  The weather is a great way for students to begin learning about predictions and collection of data.  One reason these games about the weather are so great for this type of learning is that they are situations that the students must deal with when real weather occurs.  Let’s face it, we all have to deal with extreme weather from time to time, so it not only helps the students to analyze and hypothesize, but also could help them when real danger occurs.  To read more about games, learning, and assessment, click here 

Young Meteorologist – Plan!t Now, along with The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), have developed a game that can lead middle school students through severe weather situations.  The students are put into the dangerous weather conditions, and they must make predictions about safety by analyzing the situations.  They are guided by facts all along the way, and discover new ways of thinking about weather and predictions. The students are even given pictures of some real disasters to show them what can happen in these situations.

Below are three interactive sub-games from the NOAA and Plan!t Now’s Young Meteorologist game.  If all games are completed, the student receives a certificate.

Tornados – The scientists help guide the student with facts illustrations and real photographs of tornado damage.   The student must roll the dice, and experience different aspects of what a tornado may do.  Click on the screenshot below to play the game, or click here 

(YoungMeterologist, 2012)

Flood – The scientists lead the students with questions that help predict what might happen and help the student analyze the facts given to decide what safety measures should be taken. To play the game, click on the screenshot or click here 

(YoungMeterologist, 2012)

Winter Storms –  This severe winter weather games provides students with information on what should be done if the power goes out or if you are snowed in.  It gives the students time limits to decide what should be done to keep safe.  The student predicts by using the information given to by the scientists, then the scientists asked valuable questions and give examples of what can really happen when a extreme winter weather happens.  To play the game, click the screenshot or click here 

(YoungMeterologist, 2012)

Click here  for a full assignment that can help lead your students to higher levels of learning with the weather.

Continue to the next level of learning, Synthesis .