ORIENTING TO CoCoRaHS<\/h4>\n
Purpose<\/strong> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n After considering <\/span>outdoor protocols<\/span><\/a> for your class, take students outside to complete a <\/span>Weather Scavenger Hunt<\/span><\/a> to situate student learning in the outdoors while focusing on weather observations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Introduce students to CoCoRaHS. Discuss the protocol for collecting, <\/span>recording<\/span><\/a>, and reporting precipitation data to CoCoRaHS (i.e., measurements and qualitative observations) with students. Make sure students have opportunities to practice reading a graduated cylinder. <\/span>Start collecting<\/span><\/i> and recording precipitation data by September 1, either with students or on your own until students are oriented to the project. Once a routine is established (refer to Collecting Data support below), students should check the rain gauge daily, regardless of whether they expect to find precipitation. Reading the rain gauge and recording daily precipitation will continue throughout the entire school year. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjE1MDIifX0=@” button_text=”Previous: 1: CoCoRaHS Main Page” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”14px” button_border_width=”0px” button_icon=”#||divi||400″ button_icon_placement=”left” button_on_hover=”off” custom_padding=”|20px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjE0NDEifX0=@” button_text=”Next: 2: October” button_alignment=”right” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”14px” button_border_width=”0px” button_icon=”$||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” custom_padding=”|||20px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”text-align:right !important;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” header_font_size=”56px” header_line_height=”1.3em” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_font_size=”26px” header_3_line_height=”1.4em” header_4_font=”|700||on|||||” header_4_text_color=”#89CEA4″ header_4_font_size=”16px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||2px|||” header_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_font_size_phone=”32px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”14px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” header_font_size=”56px” header_line_height=”1.3em” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_font_size=”26px” header_3_line_height=”1.4em” header_4_font=”|700||on|||||” header_4_text_color=”#89CEA4″ header_4_font_size=”16px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||2px|||” header_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_font_size_phone=”32px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”13px” text_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||12px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n DCI: <\/b>ESS2.C The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”13px” text_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||12px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n CCC:<\/strong> Cause and Effect<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”13px” text_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||12px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n SP3:<\/b> Planning and carrying out investigations [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”14px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” header_font_size=”56px” header_line_height=”1.3em” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_font_size=”26px” header_3_line_height=”1.4em” header_4_font=”|700||on|||||” header_4_text_color=”#89CEA4″ header_4_font_size=”16px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||2px|||” header_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_font_size_phone=”32px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”13px” text_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||12px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Number System: Operations with Decimals<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”13px” text_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||12px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n MP6:<\/strong> Attending to precision<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” text_line_height=”1.3em” header_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” header_font_size=”56px” header_line_height=”1.3em” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_font_size=”26px” header_3_line_height=”1.4em” header_4_font=”|700||on|||||” header_4_text_color=”#89CEA4″ header_4_font_size=”16px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||2px|||” header_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_font_size_phone=”32px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/horizon-research.com\/sbpscience\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-13-100609.png” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_line_height=”1.4em” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n CoCoRaHS: A Yearlong Exploration of Weather<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”http:\/\/www.horizon-research.com\/tl4cs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Asset-20.png” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Types of Precipitation<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/horizon-research.com\/sbpscience\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-20-200934.png” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||16px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Weather Scavenger Hunt<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”http:\/\/www.horizon-research.com\/tl4cs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Asset-22.png” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” body_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]Using Decimals<\/a>[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/horizon-research.com\/sbpscience\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-13-095802.png” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Who Uses CoCoRaHS data?<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/horizon-research.com\/sbpscience\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Asset-25.png” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Collecting Data<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”http:\/\/www.horizon-research.com\/tl4cs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Asset-19.png” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Student Work Sample<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”http:\/\/www.horizon-research.com\/tl4cs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Asset-28.png” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” body_line_height=”1.4em” global_colors_info=”{}”]October Preview<\/a>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Objectives” module_id=”citscience” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”35px|||||” border_width_top=”8px” border_color_top=”#89CEA4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Module Heading with Icon” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||1px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_css_main_element=”width: 10%!important;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/horizon-research.com\/sbpscience\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-13-100609.png” title_text=”Screenshot 2025-03-13 100609″ show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”135%” custom_margin=”|4px||||” custom_padding=”|0px||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#454545″ header_font_size=”42px” header_line_height=”2.2em” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#454545″ header_3_font_size=”26px” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|-102px||||” custom_padding=”|41px||41px||true” header_line_height_tablet=”1.2em” header_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_line_height_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ms. Clark has found it difficult to address NGSS standards related to weather because her weather unit occurs over the course of a few weeks in the winter and there is often not sufficient time to cover the various factors that influence the weather. It has been challenging to have students recall conditions from other times of year, and the way they typically discuss weather is often in more relative measures (e.g., warmer and cooler). Hoping to engage students in a more comprehensive study of local weather conditions, as well as regional variation and its causes, Ms. Clark decides to have her classes participate in CoCoRaHS. Although the project focuses on precipitation data, which represents one facet of what Ms. Clark addresses in her instruction, she determines that participating will keep weather concepts on students\u2019 radar throughout the year and will also provide her students with an authentic experience doing science. Students will consistently collect data, recording measurements and other conditions (e.g., temperature, cloud cover, notes on observed precipitation) using a <\/span>data recording sheet<\/span><\/a> and then on a monthly basis, students will engage in activities that allow them to identify patterns within their observations and measurements for their own locations and others\u2019 to make sense of these data. Additionally, working with CoCoRaHS data will provide opportunities for students to work with decimals and numerical data sets in a meaningful context. <\/span>Ms. Clark will be able to build on these experiences during her weather unit in the winter, and will then use that unit to lead into spring CoCoRaHS activities.<\/span><\/p>\n Because Ms. Clark teaches five sections of 6th grade science, she decides on rotating data collection (reading the rain gauge) among her classes. Her 1st period class, which starts at 8:20am will record the precipitation reading through the end of September before shifting the responsibility to her 2nd period class in October and so on as the year progresses. To ensure accuracy for CoCoRaHS, she will make sure that students attend to the time entered when recording the reading. For the first several weeks of school, she decides that on days where there is precipitation in the rain gauge in the morning, she will take a picture of the gauge to share with her other classes. In addition, because her rain gauge is positioned within site of her classroom window, when it is actively raining, she will allow a pair of students to go out to see the reading at that point in the day. Although they will not formally record these data, she thinks it will help maintain student enthusiasm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Objectives” module_id=”narrative” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”35px|||||” border_width_top=”8px” border_color_top=”#89CEA4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Module Heading with Icon” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||1px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_css_main_element=”width: 10%!important;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/horizon-research.com\/sbpscience\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Asset-20.png” title_text=”Asset 20″ show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|-34px||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#454545″ header_font_size=”42px” header_line_height=”2.2em” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#454545″ header_3_font_size=”26px” width=”95.4%” header_line_height_tablet=”1.2em” header_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_line_height_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Participating in CoCoRaHS provides students with opportunities to measure <\/span>precipitation<\/b>, typically in the form of rain. More information on precipitation, including different types of precipitation, can be found here: <\/span>https:\/\/scijinks.gov\/precipitation\/<\/span><\/a>. Measurement is a critical component of planning and conducting investigations. Take time to help students understand the importance of using consistent measuring tools and practices to increase the validity of their data. Measurements taken throughout the year will produce data that will be used as evidence in students\u2019 explanations. In addition, scientists rely on these data, and it is very important that all participants contributing to CoCoRaHS measure and record data using the designated rain gauge and procedures (e.g., reading the bottom of the meniscus, reading at a consistent time each day to ensure a 24-hour period has elapsed).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Climate and Weather<\/b><\/p>\n Precipitation is one condition included in weather and climate calculations. Sixth grade students have likely heard the terms weather and climate, but will probably need support to fully understand how they are similar and different. The <\/span>\u201cClimate vs. Weather\u201d<\/span><\/a> article from the media guide can help support students as they think about weather, climate, and how the measurements they take this year will contribute to understanding both weather and climate for their area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Objectives” module_id=”sciactivities” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”35px|||||” border_width_top=”8px” border_color_top=”#89CEA4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Module Heading with Icon” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||1px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_css_main_element=”width: 10%!important;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/horizon-research.com\/sbpscience\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-20-200934.png” title_text=”Screenshot 2025-04-20 200934″ show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”135%” custom_margin=”|2px||||” custom_padding=”|0px||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#454545″ header_font_size=”42px” header_line_height=”2.2em” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#454545″ header_3_font_size=”26px” custom_padding=”|||42px||” header_line_height_tablet=”1.2em” header_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_line_height_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The initial weather scavenger hunt may provide an opportunity for you and your students to determine a suitable location for installing the CoCoRaHS rain gauge. The video to the right is primarily intended for teacher background knowledge but a short excerpt (1:18-1:54) provides guidance on placing the rain gauge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When taking students outside for science observations and inferences, consider focusing students on their senses for data collection. How does the temperature feel<\/b>? What odors do they smell<\/b>? What can they hear<\/b>? What do they see<\/b>? Students will engage their senses during the Weather Scavenger Hunt, and it is important for students to recognize that scientists use tools to help them supplement what they can learn from their senses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You may choose to have students complete the Weather Scavenger Hunt<\/a> more than once throughout the year in order to better understand how the weather and their schoolyard changes over time. Each time students complete the hunt, engage them in discussion comparing findings from their last weather scavenger hunt.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=JkpVadNRAyQ&t=118s” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Objectives” module_id=”scidataentry” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”35px|||||” border_width_top=”8px” border_color_top=”#89CEA4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Module Heading with Icon” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||1px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_css_main_element=”width: 10%!important;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.horizon-research.com\/tl4cs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Asset-22.png” title_text=”Asset 22″ show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#454545″ header_font_size=”42px” header_line_height=”2.2em” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#454545″ header_3_font_size=”26px” header_line_height_tablet=”1.2em” header_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_line_height_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To read and record rain gauge measurements, students will be using decimals. It may be helpful to take stock of students\u2019 understanding of decimals, and review how decimals are another way of writing fractions. For example, you can provide students with decimals that represent benchmark fractions they are familiar with (e.g., 0.25 =\u00bc , 0.5= \u00bd).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Students may have had experience asking, \u201cDoes this make sense?\u201d when considering whether their answer to a mathematical problem is reasonable. This approach also applies to students\u2019 data collection. When reading the rain gauge, students can consider whether the amount they are recording \u201cmakes sense\u201d given what they\u2019ve observed in the weather. For example, if they\u2019ve observed only a small amount of rain in the rain gauge, a measurement of 0.25 would make sense, whereas a measurement of 2.5 would indicate that additional water would have been present in the outer cylinder. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Objectives” module_id=”schoolmap” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”35px|||||” border_width_top=”8px” border_color_top=”#89CEA4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Module Heading with Icon” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||1px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_css_main_element=”width: 20%!important;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/horizon-research.com\/sbpscience\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-13-095802.png” title_text=”Screenshot 2025-03-13 095802″ show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”55%” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#454545″ header_font_size=”42px” header_line_height=”2.2em” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#454545″ header_3_font_size=”26px” width=”77.7%” custom_margin=”|||-44px||” custom_padding=”|||0px||” header_line_height_tablet=”1.2em” header_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_line_height_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_4_font=”|700||on|||||” header_4_text_color=”#89CEA4″ header_4_font_size=”16px” header_4_letter_spacing=”1px” header_4_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To fully engage with the project, students would benefit from knowing who uses the data collected on the CoCoRaHS website. \u201c<\/span>Who Uses CoCoRaHS Observations<\/span><\/a>\u201d details who uses the data and why it might be useful to them. In addition, the following links also highlight CoCoRaHS data users:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The interactive<\/span> CoCoRaHS maps<\/span><\/a> will be an important tool for students to become familiar with throughout the year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/horizon-research.com\/sbpscience\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Picture1.png” title_text=”Picture1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”233px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Explore the <\/span>CoCoRaHS map<\/span><\/a> with students, or allow students time to navigate the map, allowing them to see how they are contributing to an effort along with other individuals across North America. There are several settings for the map, some of which are highlighted in later months\u2019 materials. Note that the default map setting only displays measurements taken between 4:30-9:30am local observation time, but this window can be adjusted in the \u201cWhen\u201d section of \u201cMap Options.\u201d\u00a0 In addition, the default settings for the key are \u201cdynamic,\u201d meaning that the increments\/coloring coding of the legend adjust based on each day\u2019s findings, which is important to point out to students. The key can be changed to \u201cstatic\u201d in \u201cMap Options,\u201d which is suggested for making day-to-day comparisons later in the year. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Objectives” module_id=”outsidefindlb” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”35px|||||” border_width_top=”8px” border_color_top=”#89CEA4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Module Heading with Icon” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||1px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_css_main_element=”width: 10%!important;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/horizon-research.com\/sbpscience\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Asset-25.png” title_text=”Asset 25″ show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#454545″ header_font_size=”42px” header_line_height=”2.2em” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#454545″ header_3_font_size=”26px” header_line_height_tablet=”1.2em” header_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_line_height_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Why do certain protocols have to be followed for rain gauge data collection?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Where can I find more information on setting up and using our rain gauge?<\/b><\/p>\n How do I help my students with rain gauge data collection to ensure accuracy and precision?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n How do we share our station\u2019s data with CoCoRaHS?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Objectives” module_id=”predict” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”35px|||||” border_width_top=”8px” border_color_top=”#89CEA4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Module Heading with Icon” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||1px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_css_main_element=”width: 10%!important;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.horizon-research.com\/tl4cs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Asset-19.png” title_text=”Asset 19″ show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#454545″ header_font_size=”42px” header_line_height=”2.2em” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#454545″ header_3_font_size=”26px” header_line_height_tablet=”1.2em” header_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_line_height_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||17px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Checking for student understanding of reading and using rain gauges:<\/span><\/p>\n
Launching a year of weather data collection and experiencing science outdoors, this activity allows students to begin to understand how precipitation data are collected, reported, and used by orienting to CoCoRaHS and monitoring their rain gauge.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.horizon-research.com\/tl4cs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Asset-27.png\")
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.horizon-research.com\/tl4cs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/coco_l1_gage-204x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\nStandards + Practices<\/h4>\n
Science<\/span><\/h4>\n
Students will conduct a Weather Scavenger Hunt to investigate weather conditions at their location. They will also orient to data collection procedures for contributing to CoCoRaHS. <\/span><\/i>
<\/strong><\/p>\nmathematics<\/span><\/h4>\n
Resources + Supports<\/h4>\n
CoCoRaHS: A Yearlong Exploration of Weather<\/h3>\n
Types of Precipitation<\/h3>\n
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Weather Scavenger Hunt<\/b><\/h3>\n
Using Decimals<\/h3>\n
Who Uses CoCoRaHS Data?<\/h3>\n
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Collecting Data<\/h3>\n
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Student Work Sample<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.horizon-research.com\/tl4cs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Asset-28.png\")