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  Classroom Weather Station Curbs Violence

Research has shown that student behavior and moods are often impacted by weather. Our children frequently come to school angry and upset. Sometimes their bad moods are due to circumstances at home. At other times, there is no obvious reason for their negative feelings and aggressive behavior. Repeatedly, their gloomy outlook is transferred to violent confrontations as a means of settling disputes.

This project seeks to curb violence by having the students get in touch with their moods, in particular as they are impacted by the weather. By creating a classroom weather station with a barometer, thermometer and humidity meter, students and teachers will get a head start in assessing the day’s anticipated behavior. Once students and teachers realize the link between weather and behavior, we hope that they will take control of daily situations by being prepared for the changes.

1.     How do you feel today?

a.      Why do you feel that way?

b.     What do you like to do when you feel this way?

2.     How does weather affect our moods?

3.     How do moods affect our behavior and the way we react to situations?

4.     How can we best manage our behavior for positive outcomes?

Grade 5

Language Arts

STATE GOAL 4:                                 CAS A, B                                CFS 1, 2

Science

STATE GOAL 11:                               CAS A                                     CFS 1, 3

Unit Prerequisites

1.     General understanding of seasons and weather changes

2.     General understanding of moods

Access:

§        Listen to the story Today I Feel Silly

§        Elicit information about moods and what causes changes in moods

§        Observe mood changes caused by weather patterns

§        Seek answers about changes in weather causing violent behavior

Interpret:

§        Analyze graphs to determine the link between weather and violent behavior

§        Contrast moods and reactions to problems on sunny, bright days and dark, dreary days

§        List the number of violent reactions to problems that occur each day

 Produce:

§        Design a mood, feeling chart

§        Write about moods and feelings

§        Plan the design of the mood book

 Communicate:

§        Communicate you moods and feelings and why you feel as you do

§        Express your different emotions

§        Share observation data sheet and graph with the class

 Evaluate:

§        Check to see if being aware of emotions made a difference in violent reactions

§        Elevate changes in behavior due an awareness of weather changes

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