Weather Prediction

• databot

• IOS/Android Smart Device

Investigations

Earth Science

Overview

Background

What You Will Need/Prep

• Test your databot™ connection.

• You will be prompted to select
  and connect to databot™ each
  time you launch an experiment.

• If there are two or more databot's
  listed, the one closest to your
  device will be highlighted in blue.

Weather Prediction

This lesson introduces students to the science
behind weather formation. Using databot™ sensors,
you will investigate atmospheric variables such as
temperature, pressure, and humidity to understand
how weather develops and changes over time.

• Ziploc bag + straw, container

• A glass of cold water

• A fan or heater or a container
  with dry rice or silica gel..

• Install Vizeey™ on your
  Smart device.

• Study the background
  information and terms and
  prepare to explore!

Grades: Middle School

Time: 45 Minutes

Subject: Earth Science

Topics: Weather, Air Pressure,
Temperature, Humidity

Weather forecasting relies on analyzing changes in
physical atmospheric parameters such as pressure,
temperature, and humidity. These parameters serve as
key indicators of atmospheric processes, enabling
accurate predictions of weather changes. By
monitoring these factors, we can better understand
the dynamics of weather patterns and anticipate
events such as storms, clear skies, or extreme
conditions.

For example, a sudden drop in atmospheric pressure
might signal the approach of a cyclone, leading to
possible storms or rainfall.

Sharp temperature increases often accompany the
arrival of warm fronts, while drops in temperature may
indicate the presence of a cold front. Additionally, air
temperature plays a critical role in processes such as
condensation, which impacts precipitation formation.

High humidity often precedes rain, snow, or storms,
while low humidity correlates with dry, clear weather.

The relationship between these parameters is highly
interconnected, forming the foundation of
meteorology. For instance, a combination of falling
pressure, rising humidity, and increasing temperatures
could indicate the approach of a thunderstorm front.
Understanding these relationships helps refine
weather forecasting and deepen insights into
atmospheric processes.

Learning Objectives

By completing this lab, students will:

• Understand how atmospheric pressure, humidity, and temperature affect weather.

• Learn how to use sensors to monitor and collect data about weather conditions.

• Predict weather changes based on sensor data.

• Enhance critical thinking and data analysis skills through real-world applications.

Atmospheric Pressure: The air around you has weight and it presses against everything it
touches. That pressure is called atmospheric pressure or air pressure. Measured in hPa
(hectopascals).

Humidity: The percentage of water vapor in the air, typically measured using a hygrometer.

Temperature: A measure of how hot or cold the air is, usually measured in degrees Celsius
or Fahrenheit.

Pressure Systems: Areas of high or low pressure that influence weather patterns.

Weather: Weather refers to the atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a specific
time. It includes factors such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, and
precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or hail).

Earth Science

Modern meteorologists rely heavily on computer models that use atmospheric data to
predict weather. This data often comes from weather stations, satellites, and sensors like
the ones in this lab.

The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth was -128.6°F (-89.2°C) in Antarctica, while
the hottest was 134°F (56.7°C) in Death Valley, California.

The highest atmospheric pressure recorded at sea level was 1084 hPa in Siberia, while the
lowest was 870 hPa during Typhoon Tip in 1979.

About 100 lightning bolts hit the Earth’s surface every second, and each bolt can be up to
five times hotter than the surface of the Sun.

A city can create its own microclimate due to urban heat islands, where buildings and
asphalt retain heat, leading to higher temperatures compared to surrounding areas.

This lab focuses on using sensors to monitor atmospheric pressure, humidity, and
temperature to predict weather changes. You will explore how these factors influence the
weather and how they can be used to forecast short-term weather conditions. The
databot™ will help you gather data to understand the relationship between these variables
and their impact on the weather.

In order to work with the experiment you need to launch the Vizeey application and click on
+ in the upper right corner.

Then select “Add experiment from QR code” and scan the QR code prepared for this
experiment. Your experiment will appear in the list.

Using Vizeey

This is the main experiment on weather forecasting,
where you will analyze sensor readings to predict
upcoming weather conditions. You will need to
carefully observe changes in pressure, temperature,
and humidity, then use that data to make an
accurate weather prediction.

Earth Science

Here, you will find three additional tabs
displaying atmospheric pressure, temperature,
and humidity. These can be used in the first,
second, and third parts of the experiment to
practice generating and analyzing different
weather conditions.

Don't forget to connect the temperature sensor to databot.

When you start the experiment you will be immediately
offered to connect to your databot. Make sure that
databot is enabled.

• How do you think changes in temperature influence the weather?

• How might atmospheric pressure and humidity interact to create rain?

• Why do you think weather changes so quickly sometimes, but other times it seems to
  stay the same for days?

Part 1: Initial Observations and Discussion Questions

How do you think atmospheric pressure changes when a storm is approaching?
______________________________________________________________________________________

Earth Science

Write your hypothesis for each part of the experiment

What do you predict will happen to humidity levels before and after a rainstorm?

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Observing weather patterns is typically a lengthy process that can take days,
weeks, or even months. However, since we don’t have that kind of time, we
will simulate weather conditions and draw conclusions from the collected
data. Along the way, we’ll also learn how to gather data using databot and
interpret it effectively.

• Tap on "Weather Prediction" in Vizeey to load the experiment.

• You will be prompted to connect to databot.

  • Hint- if there is more than one databot in use, the one closest to you will be in blue!

  • A solid blue light on databot means you are connected.

• Choose the tab “Air Pressure” and start your experiment using:

• Use these icons at the top of the screen in Vizeey to start and to pause
  the experiment.

High Pressure:

When atmospheric pressure increases, it is
often associated with the arrival of
anticyclones—areas of high pressure. Under
these conditions, the weather tends to be
stable, clear, and dry, with minimal or no
cloud cover. This typically leads to:

• Warm and sunny weather

• Low chance of precipitation

• Light to moderate winds

Such conditions usually indicate good
weather ahead.

Simulate High Pressure:

• Place databot inside a plastic (ziploc)bag.

• Seal the bag tightly to make it airtight.

• Press down gently on the bag, increasing
  the pressure inside.

• Record the databot's readings as the
  pressure rises. ______________________

Simulate Low Pressure:

• Insert a straw into the bag and seal the
  opening around it.

• Suck out the air from the bag using the
  straw to decrease the pressure inside.

• Record the databot's readings as the
  pressure drops.
  _______________________

Earth Science

Part 1: Atmospheric Pressure: Understanding the Influence of Air Pressure on Weather

Low Pressure:

A drop in atmospheric pressure signals the
approach of a cyclone—an area of low
pressure. These conditions are often linked
to increased cloud cover and precipitation. It
may result in:

• Cloudy and rainy weather

• Higher humidity levels

• Stronger winds and possible storms

• Cooler temperatures

• Turn on databot™

Investigation of Air Pressure Changes

• Tap on "Weather Prediction" in Vizeey to load the experiment.

• You will be prompted to connect to databot.

  • Hint- if there is more than one databot in use, the one closest to you will be in blue!

  • A solid blue light on databot means you are connected.

• Choose the tab “Temperature” and start your experiment using:

• Use these icons at the top of the screen in Vizeey to start and to pause
  the experiment.

Simulate a Temperature Decrease:

• Place databot inside a refrigerator, or a
  glass of water or next to a cold surface
  for a minute.

• Observe and record the drop in
  temperature. _________________________

• Turn on databot™

• Connect the temperature sensor to port 1.

Temperature Increase:

Rising temperatures are typically associated with
warm air masses moving into a region or
prolonged sunny conditions. This often indicates:

• The arrival of a warm front and potentially hot
  weather

• Increased wind activity or dry conditions if
  paired with high pressure

• Potential heatwaves during hot seasons

Such conditions suggest warming trends and
possible shifts towards drier or more stable
weather.

Simulate a Temperature Increase:

• Hold databot in your hands for 30
  seconds to allow the heat from your body
  to increase its temperature readings.

• Record the changes in temperature.

____________________________________

Earth Science

Part 2: Temperature: Understanding the Influence of Temperature on Weather

Temperature Decrease:

Falling temperatures are often linked
to the arrival of a cold front. These
changes may lead to:

• A sudden drop in temperature,
  especially during a cold front
  passage

• Precipitation, such as rain or snow

• Frost formation, particularly at
  night or in winter months

Investigation of Temperature Changes

• Tap on "Weather Prediction" in Vizeey to load the experiment.

• You will be prompted to connect to databot.

  • Hint- if there is more than one databot in use, the one closest to you will be in blue!

  • A solid blue light on databot means you are connected.

• Choose the tab “Humidity” and start your experiment using:

• Use these icons at the top of the screen in Vizeey to start and to pause
  the experiment.

Simulate the Decrease in Humidity:

• Place databot in a dry environment, such
  as next to a source of warm air (a fan or
  heater) or inside a container with dry
  rice or silica gel.

• Monitor the changes and record the
  decrease in humidity.
  _________________________

• Turn on databot™

Increase in Humidity levels:

Air moisture levels rise when there is cloud cover,
high temperatures, and little wind. A rise in
humidity often signals:

• Potential precipitation in the near future

• Fog or increased cloud cover

• The likelihood of rain or snow, depending on
  the temperature

• A higher probability of storm formation

These conditions indicate that moisture is
accumulating in the atmosphere, which can lead
to unstable weather.

Simulate the Increase in Humidity:

• Breathe gently onto the databot’s sensor
  or place it inside a sealed container with a
  damp paper towel for a minute.

• Observe and record how the humidity
  levels rise.

____________________________________

Earth Science

Part 3: Humidity: Understanding the Influence of Humidity on Weather

Decrease in Humidity levels:

Humidity levels drop when dry air
moves into a region, which can be
caused by:

• The influence of an outgoing
  cyclone or high-pressure system

• Clear skies and dry conditions with
  minimal cloud cover

• Warm summer weather with little
  to no rainfall

Investigation of Humidity Changes

databot™

databot™

glass of water

fan

Earth Science

Now that we understand the key factors that influence weather—pressure, temperature, and
humidity—we can analyze them to make predictions. Weather forecasting becomes more
accurate when we consider all three indicators together. Here are some common
combinations and what they tell us about upcoming weather:

Bringing It All Together: Weather Prediction

• High pressure + high temperature + low humidity → Warm and sunny weather, with
  little to no chance of precipitation.

• Low pressure + high temperature + high humidity → Likely thunderstorms, with a
  strong possibility of rain.

• High pressure + low temperature + low humidity → Clear, cold weather, with no
  precipitation.

• Low pressure + low temperature + high humidity → Snowfall or rain turning into snow,
  depending on temperature.

• High pressure + moderate temperature + moderate humidity → Pleasant and stable
  weather, ideal for outdoor activities.

• Low pressure + warm air + moderate humidity → Cloudy skies with light rain or drizzle.

• Rapidly falling pressure + high humidity → Approaching storm, likely with strong winds
  and heavy rain.

• Rising pressure + decreasing temperature → Clearing skies, with cooler but stable
  weather ahead.

These combinations show how different factors interact to shape the weather we
experience daily.

Experiment 4: Weather Prediction Challenge

Students will work in teams to analyze real-time weather data from the Databot and predict
the weather based on observed conditions.

• One team will stay in the classroom, monitoring real-time data.

• The second team will take the Databot to another location (hallway or another room)
  and simulate different weather conditions.

(It is important not to go far and make sure that the data from the databot is being
transmitted.)

Earth Science

• Turn on databot and connect it to a phone or tablet.

• The monitoring team will track air pressure, temperature, and humidity readings using
  the Vizeey app.

• • Don’t forget to choose the tab “Challenge” for this part of measurement.

• The second team will manipulate the environment to create specific weather conditions.
  For example:

1 - Increase temperature by placing databot near a warm surface.

2 - Increase humidity by breathing on the sensor or placing it in a humid environment.

3 - Change pressure by sealing it in a bag and pressing or removing air.

• The monitoring team must analyze the data and guess what kind of weather is being
  simulated.

For example:

if they see high pressure, high temperature, and low humidity, they should predict warm,
sunny weather.

If they detect low pressure, high humidity, and falling temperature, they should predict a storm
or rain.

• Once the first team has made their predictions, switch roles.

• The second team will now analyze data while the first team creates new weather
  conditions.

1. If you had to explain the connection between pressure, temperature, and humidity to a
   friend, how would you do it?

Part 6: Concept Questions

Part 7: Reflection

2. Did your predictions in Experiment 4 match the actual weather conditions simulated by
the other team? Why or why not?

Earth Science

3. What would happen if we ignored one of these factors (pressure, temperature, or
humidity) when predicting the weather?