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B. THE SCIENCE OF THE SHIP Lesson 15:
WEATHER
Students will differentiate the various weather patterns over Lake Erie, both past and present, and apply knowledge of conditions of nature and science needed for successful sailing. They may know and apply knowledge of conditions of nature and science needed for sailing, define vocabulary words associated with weather, identify various symbols and patterns used on weather maps, understand the use of the barometer and anemometer, know the difference between high pressure and low pressure, interpret data from weather charts, understand and use the terms jet stream, wind movement, offshore wind, on shore wind, tides, and currents in relation to sailing, interpret how weather affected tall ships, and sailing schedules historically throughout the world, and interpret how weather affects shipping schedules now. Introduction to Weather Patterns It is apparent that weather and wind patterns have always had an extreme effect on sailing. Students and teachers may examine specific aspects of the weather and its effects throughout history to present. Start with vocabulary and patterns and symbols on weather maps. ACTIVITIES 1. Look at the terms used in predicting weather gathered from the local weather bureau and books available in the classroom. 2. Use charts of the local area to demonstrate and point out different symbols used to predict the weather. 3. Research wind patterns of the world. 4. Research weather patterns around Lake Erie (Erie, The Lake That Survived, p. 45) 5. Examine various charts and graphs used in predicting weather. 6. Take a field trip to the local weather bureau or television station. 7. Research past weather conditions on Lake Erie involving the sailing of the U.S. Brig Niagara by using logs and ships journals. 8. After examining weather conditions at different times of the year in each hemisphere, record the weather patterns in your area for one month. Interpret and reflect on the data in your student logbook. 9. Make weather predictions or make conclusions of what the weather was from what occurred on Lake Erie in the past. (Science and Technology/Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening standards) SHIP’S STORES/REFERENCES Burns, Noel M. (1985). Erie, the lake that survived. Totowa, NJ: Rowman and Allenheld. Local weather bureau, Erie International Airport Weather The visual encyclopedia of nautical terms. (1978).
New York: Crown Publishing.
Winstrom, William H. (1942). Weather and the oceans of air. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.