Teaching article
Rainfall data: read the unit and the collection period
Read a labelled record with units and a stated collection period.
Eight millimetres and twelve millimetres can be compared numerically, but the time periods still matter. Use prepared records to practise reading the complete measurement rather than treating the displayed number as the whole observation.
Eight millimetres and twelve millimetres differ by four millimetres over the stated periods.
Compare equivalent periods where possible
Check that the compared amounts refer to equivalent periods. A daily total and a weekly total answer different measurement questions.
Read the unit. Identify the time period. Compare amounts.
Do not confuse depth with total container volume.
Which units belong in the answer? Use a large scale diagram.
Resources
- Cloud observation – Weather Watchers Major Activity — Use the observation format for dated sky descriptions from a suitable viewpoint.
Further reading
Read next
- What a window weather log cannot tell us
- A low ramp test with a consistent release
- An unexpected result belongs in the investigation log
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