Read and discuss the selection called Heat Wave. The story lends itself to a discussion of fantasy and reality. Another possible discussion relates to weather extremes that are possible.
Tell students that almanacs are reference tools, which record lists of weather data. Using the almanac in your media center, have students investigate the sections, which deal with weather and climate. Use various weather charts to have students extract weather statistics.
Additional extensions for this lesson could include a teacher made worksheet which requires student to use the almanac independently. Students could also use encyclopedias for various states to determine weather averages. Newspaper forecasts and well as on-line weather forecasts could be other areas to springboard from this basic lesson.