Season Sleuths Worksheet
Junior Meteorology Field Lab • NGSS 3-ESS2-1
Season Sleuths: Cracking the Climate Code
Grade 3 Science
Student Name:
Date:
Weather Station: Whispering Pines
The Secret Rhythm of the Seasons
Read carefully before answering questions
Have you ever wondered why you wear a heavy parka in January but swimsuits in July? Weather changes from day to day, but seasons follow dependable, repeating patterns. Meteorologists—scientists who study atmospheric conditions—do not rely on a single sunny or rainy afternoon. Instead, they record weather observations every single day for years to discover what weather is typical for each season.
1. Temperature
Average heat measured in degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
2. Precipitation
Total rain, sleet, or snow measured in inches.
3. Wind Direction
The compass direction the wind blows from.
In a valley town called Whispering Pines, scientists analyzed ten years of records. They found that winter consistently brings biting northwest winds and freezing temperatures below 32°F, turning precipitation into deep snow. In contrast, summer brings hot southwest breezes that pull warm moisture into the air, creating quick thunderstorm bursts. Knowing these seasonal expectations helps communities plan when to stock road salt, when farmers should plant corn, and when reservoirs will refill with melted snow.
Part 1
Reading Comprehension & Concept Check
1. According to the text, how is typical seasonal weather different from the weather on a single day?
2. Which three types of weather data do meteorologists systematically track to identify seasonal patterns?
A Cloud color, thunder volume, and sunrise hour
B Average temperature, precipitation, and wind direction
C Soil depth, tree height, and river speed
D Air pollution levels, humidity, and moonlight
3. Name two ways people or towns prepare when meteorologists predict typical winter conditions are approaching.
Standard: 3-ESS2-1 Earth's Systems Page 1 of 2 • Continue to Weather Data Analysis →
Whispering Pines Weather Station • Data Lab
Part 2: Analyzing Seasonal Data & Graphs
Observation Set: 10-Yr Averages
Table 1: Seasonal Weather Averages
Data collected over 10 consecutive years
| Season | Avg. Temp (°F) | Total Precipitation | Wind Direction | Typical Weather Summary |
|---|
| Winter | 28°F | 18.0 in. (Snow) | Northwest (NW) | Freezing cold, heavy blizzards, icy roads |
| Spring | 56°F | 5.5 in. (Rain) | South (S) | Mild warming, frequent steady soaking rain |
| Summer | 82°F | 2.5 in. (Rain) | Southwest (SW) | Hot, humid, clear sunny skies, quick storms |
| Fall (Autumn) | 52°F | 3.5 in. (Rain) | West (W) | Crisp cool air, gusty wind, light sprinkles |
Graph 1: Average Seasonal Temperature (°F) Each grid line = 20°F
28°F
Winter
56°F
Spring
82°F
Summer
52°F
Fall
Part 2 Questions
Data Interpretation & Predictions
4. Look at Table 1. Which season has the highest amount of precipitation, and what physical form does that precipitation take? Why does it take that form?
5. Compare Spring (56°F) and Fall (52°F). Their average temperatures are very similar. What two other data clues from Table 1 help you tell these seasons apart?
6. Meteorologist Challenge: The Pine Valley Soccer League wants to schedule outdoor games during the season with the warmest temperatures and the lowest chance of soaking rain delays. Which season should they pick? Cite two pieces of data from Table 1 or Graph 1 to defend your choice.
Performance Expectation: NGSS 3-ESS2-1 Page 2 of 2 • Whispering Pines Meteorology Lab
