Webquest: WWW - Wonderful Web Weather

by

Jason Parrish

Loose links to KS2  QCA Geography Unit 7
Edited for use on the Worcestershire Website by Dave Kibblewhite
(Site last checked on 18th July 2004)

Introduction

Even with all the satellite pictures and computer predictions they use these days, the weather forecasters still don't seem able to get it right very often.  I wonder if the forecasts really are wrong as often as we think they are.  Or do we only notice the times they are wrong, because then we wanted to do something special and it was spoiled by bad weather?  The only way to be sure is to do a proper study on some of the various weather forecasts.  The best way is to use the ones on  the Web because they are easiest to get at.  Your task is to check how accurate these forecasts are, and identify which ones are the best and the worst.

The Task

For this assignment you need to record the weather for three days, and compare this actual weather with the online weather forecasts of several different weather sites.  Then you need to draw a large graph comparing how each of the four sites scored.  If you are asked to present your results to the class, your graph will be extremely useful, so plan it carefully and make it neat and easy to read.

Resources

Visit all the sites below to check which are the most accurate.   Also comment on how clear and easy to use each one is:

The Process

You will need to complete the following steps to successfully complete your mission:

1. You will be assigned to a team of four investigators.
2. Each of you will need to choose one of the weather forecasting web sites.
3. Then you can use the computer to view your chosen web site.
4. When you reach the site you can print off a local forecast for the next four days.
5. You need to judge how easy it is to understand the forecast this site provides, using the chart further down the page.
6. Starting the following day, you can compare the forecast you got from your Web site with the actual weather and temperatures.   One observation about mid morning and another about mid afternoon will be enough.  If the actual temperature is within three degrees of what was forecast, you can say it was accurate enough.
7. At the end of the three days, you and your team mates can compile your results, and award points to each site based on the chart below.
8. You will then need to graph the results clearly on a large sheet of paper.
9. You may then be asked to work together to plan and present a presentation to the class.   Identify the best and worst site, and be sure to provide examples and explanations. Use your graph.
10. If your teacher thinks it's a good idea, you may want to send a short article to your local paper, or ask its reporter to come and take some photo's and interview you about your research.

Rating the Sites

Here is a table to help you evaluate the sites.  Award scores to each site.  Compare and contrast each site's score.  It's probably easier to copy out this chart and do it on paper.  Remember to do it big if you will have to give a presentation

Evaluation

You will be evaluated on this assignment on both the clarity and completeness of your graph, and the overall quality of your presentation. See below for an indication of what your teacher will expect from your group.

Presentation Rubric

Conclusion

Hopefully, on the completion of this Webquest you will have learned something about the nature of information on the internet, and the need to examine it with a critical eye.  You will have found that some information is better than other information.  Furthermore you will have organized information, made judgements and presented your findings.
When you have completed this assignment, see if you can answer these additional questions.
Can you apply what you have learned to other categories of sites on the World Wide Web?
What are some examples of sites you might want to evaluate - e.g. Traffic conditions when you go on a journey with your family?

Based on a template from The Webquest Page.