Science3-5
Convection and Thunderstorms: Grade 3 Science Slideshow
By Emily D.
A slideshow-style lesson for 3rd graders that introduces convection and explains how rising warm air and sinking cold air build thunderstorms. It follows a 5E arc, opening with a notice-and-wonder prompt and speaker notes that guide the discussion, and is designed to lead directly into a hands-on experiment where students observe hot air rising and cold air sinking.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as a 20-25 minute whole-class introduction before the hands-on convection experiment, pausing at the notice-and-wonder slides so students can share observations before you explain the science.
- Discussion question: What do you notice about the storm clouds in the photo, and what do you think might be making them grow so tall?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Pre-teach the words 'convection,' 'warm,' 'cold,' 'rise,' and 'sink' with simple gestures, and pair students with a partner during discussion prompts.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to predict where a thunderstorm would form first on a hot summer afternoon and explain their reasoning using the words 'rising' and 'sinking.'
- Estimated time: About 25 minutes for the slideshow, plus 15-20 minutes for the follow-up experiment.
Science3-5
Convection and Thunderstorms: Grade 3 Science Slideshow
By Emily D.
A slideshow-style lesson for 3rd graders that introduces convection and explains how rising warm air and sinking cold air build thunderstorms. It follows a 5E arc, opening with a notice-and-wonder prompt and speaker notes that guide the discussion, and is designed to lead directly into a hands-on experiment where students observe hot air rising and cold air sinking.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as a 20-25 minute whole-class introduction before the hands-on convection experiment, pausing at the notice-and-wonder slides so students can share observations before you explain the science.
- Discussion question: What do you notice about the storm clouds in the photo, and what do you think might be making them grow so tall?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Pre-teach the words 'convection,' 'warm,' 'cold,' 'rise,' and 'sink' with simple gestures, and pair students with a partner during discussion prompts.
- Extension for advanced students: Ask them to predict where a thunderstorm would form first on a hot summer afternoon and explain their reasoning using the words 'rising' and 'sinking.'
- Estimated time: About 25 minutes for the slideshow, plus 15-20 minutes for the follow-up experiment.