“create a 1-2 page guide for a research project (use columns and rows to consolidate space as needed) for a 3rd grader using this information: # 🌦️ 3rd Grade Weather Forecaster Research Project ### **Do Weather Forecasters Really See the Weather Map?** **Big Question:** When a weather forecaster stands in front of a weather map on TV, are they really looking at the map? **How does it work?** ### 📅 Due Date **Wednesday, October 21, 2026** You will research how weather forecasters use **green screens, computers, cameras, and weather maps** to present the forecast. Then you will create a **Google Slides or Canva presentation** to teach others what you discovered. --- ## 🔎 Your Presentation Must Explain: ### 1. What is a Green Screen? ☐ What is a green screen? ☐ What is **chroma key**? ☐ Why is green often used instead of another color? ### 2. What Does the Forecaster Actually See? ☐ Is the weather map really on the wall behind the forecaster? ☐ What is actually behind the forecaster? ☐ How does the weather map appear on our television? ### 3. How Does the Forecaster Know Where to Point? ☐ Can the forecaster actually see the weather map? ☐ Does the forecaster use a monitor, camera, or another tool to help? ☐ Explain how they know where to point when they are standing in front of a green screen. ### 4. How Does the Green Screen Stay “Behind” the Forecaster? Explain why the weather map does **not** appear on the forecaster's body. Be sure to explain that: * The computer recognizes the green background. * The green color is removed from the video. * The weather map is placed where the green used to be. * The forecaster stays visible because the computer separates the person from the green background. * Good lighting and keeping the forecaster away from the green screen help create a clean image. ### 5. Teach Us Something Interesting! Include **at least 2 interesting facts** you learned about weather forecasting, green screens, or meteorologists. --- ## 💻 Presentation Requirements Your slideshow should have **at least 6 slides**: **Slide 1:** Title + your name **Slide 2:** What is a green screen? **Slide 3:** What does the forecaster really see? **Slide 4:** How does the forecaster know where to point? **Slide 5:** How does the computer put the weather map behind the forecaster? **Slide 6:** What did I learn? + 2 interesting facts **Slide 7:** Sources — Where did you get your information? ### 🎥 Optional Challenge! You may include a **short video** in your presentation showing: * A green-screen weather forecast * A demonstration of a green screen * Or **you demonstrating how green-screen technology works** **Video should be short — about 30 seconds to 2 minutes.** --- ## ⭐ Research Rules ☐ Use **at least 2 reliable websites**. ☐ Write information **in your own words**. ☐ Do not copy and paste entire sentences or paragraphs. ☐ Include your websites on your final **Sources** slide. ☐ Use pictures, diagrams, or screenshots to help teach your audience. ☐ Make your slides easy to read — **large words, short sentences, and helpful pictures!** ### 🔗 Kid-Friendly Research Sites **NOAA / NESDIS Weather Resources** [NOAA Weather Forecasting for Students](https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/about/k-12-education/scijinks?utm_source=chatgpt.com) **NOAA: Making a Weather Forecast** [Making a Weather Forecast](https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/about/k-12-education/weather-forecasting/making-weather-forecast?utm_source=chatgpt.com) **NASA/NOAA SciJinks** — weather games, videos, and activities [SciJinks Weather Resources](https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/about/k-12-education/scijinks?utm_source=chatgpt.com) **National Weather Service — Learning Resources** [National Weather Service Education Resources](https://www.weather.gov/ffc/outreach?utm_source=chatgpt.com) **Kiddle — Chroma Key Facts for Kids** [Chroma Key Facts for Kids](https://kids.kiddle.co/Chroma_key?utm_source=chatgpt.com) --- ## 🌟 Remember! Your job is not just to tell us **“They use a green screen.”** Your job is to explain the **SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY behind the trick!** **Think like a scientist:** **ASK → RESEARCH → EXPLAIN → CREATE → TEACH!**”