Weather Watchers: Group Weather Observation

Learning Objectives

• Develop basic weather observation skills
• Practice recording and discussing daily weather patterns
• Build vocabulary related to weather phenomena
• Strengthen group discussion and collaboration skills
• Connect weather observations to seasonal changes

Setting Up Your Weather Watch Station

Required Materials

• Large weather chart (see Appendix A for template)
• Weather symbol cards with pictures
• Outdoor thermometer Rain gauge (see Appendix B for DIY instructions)
• Wind sock (see Appendix B for DIY instructions)
• Weather journals (one per child)
• Weather-related picture books
• Display board for group observations

Safety Considerations

1. Mounting Equipment
   1. Secure all weather instruments at child height
   2. Ensure no sharp edges on equipment
   3. Position equipment away from high-traffic areas
2. Outdoor Observations
   1. Designate a safe observation area
   2. Establish clear boundaries for movement
   3. Maintain appropriate adult-to-child ratios (1:5 recommended)

Daily Weather Watch Routine

Morning Circle Time (15-20 minutes)

1. Group Gathering
   1. Arrange children in a circle
   2. Display the weather chart prominently
   3. Assign daily “Weather Watchers” (2-3 children)
2. Initial Observations
   1. Guide Weather Watchers to look outside
   2. Ask descriptive questions about the sky
   3. Encourage use of weather vocabulary
3. Recording Observations
   1. Help Weather Watchers select appropriate weather symbols
   2. Place symbols on the daily chart
   3. Support children in marking their individual journals

Weather Investigation Activities

Sky Watching (10-15 minutes)

1. Cloud Observations
   1. Lie on blankets outside
   2. Look for shapes in clouds
   3. Discuss cloud colours and movements
   4. Use child-friendly cloud classification cards
2. Safety Notes:
   • Never look directly at the sun
   • Choose a shaded area for observations
   • Have sun protection available

Wind Detection (10 minutes)

1. Wind Sock Reading
   1. Observe wind sock movement
   2. Use simple terms (no wind, little wind, lots of wind)
   3. Record observations using arrows or symbols
2. Wind Games
   1. Hold ribbons to feel wind direction
   2. Make paper pinwheels
   3. Listen for wind sounds

Temperature Recording

1. Morning Temperature Check
   1. Read the thermometer together
   2. Use color-coding for temperature ranges
   3. Mark the daily temperature on a simple graph
2. Discussion Prompts
   • “Is it warmer or cooler than yesterday?”
   • “What clothes would be good for today?”
   • “How does the temperature make you feel?”

Seasonal Connections

Autumn Weather Watch

1. Focus Areas
   1. Changing cloud patterns
   2. Cooling temperatures
   3. Wind patterns and falling leaves
   4. Rain frequency
2. Special Activities
   1. Leaf collection and weather correlation
   2. Wind direction and leaf movement
   3. Temperature clothing sorting game

Winter Weather Watch

Winter Weather Watch

1. Focus Areas
   1. Cold temperature patterns
   2. Frost formation
   3. Storm clouds and rain
   4. Wind chill effects
2. Special Activities
   1. Puddle observation and measurement
   2. Rain pattern tracking
   3. Winter weather dress-up station
   4. Storm cloud watching (when safe)

Spring Weather Watch

1. Focus Areas
   1. Warming temperatures
   2. Changing wind patterns
   3. Rain frequency
   4. Cloud formations
2. Special Activities
   1. Spring weather graphing
   2. Wind sock patterns
   3. Rain gauge monitoring
   4. Weather prediction games

Summer Weather Watch

1. Focus Areas
   1. High temperature patterns
   2. UV index awareness
   3. Storm development
   4. Humidity levels
2. Special Activities
   1. Shadow observation
   2. Safe sun experiments
   3. Temperature comparisons
   4. Weather safety discussions

Group Discussion Strategies

Circle Time Questions

1. Weather Comparisons
   1. “How is today’s weather different from yesterday?”
   2. “What do you think tomorrow’s weather might be?”
   3. “How does this weather make you feel?”
2. Weather Impact Discussions
   1. “What activities can we do in this weather?”
   2. “What clothes do we need today?”
   3. “How does the weather affect our playground?”

Common Challenges and Solutions

Attention Span Management

1. Challenge: Maintaining focus during observations Solution:
   1. Use weather songs and movements
   2. Rotate Weather Watcher roles frequently
   3. Keep observation sessions brief (5-10 minutes)
2. Challenge: Abstract weather concepts Solution:
   1. Use concrete examples and demonstrations
   2. Connect weather to daily experiences
   3. Incorporate sensory activities

Recording Consistency

1. Challenge: Regular data collection Solution:
   1. Create a visual schedule
   2. Assign backup Weather Watchers
   3. Use simple recording methods

Extension Activities

Weather Art Station

1. Setup Requirements
   1. Weather-themed art supplies
   2. Display area for weather artwork
   3. Reference photos of weather types
2. Activity Ideas
   1. Cloud painting with cotton balls
   2. Rain pictures with droppers
   3. Wind painting with straws

Weather Movement Games

1. Basic Activities
   1. “Move like the wind”
   2. “Dance like raindrops”
   3. “Freeze like ice”
2. Group Games
   1. Weather charades
   2. Season sorting races
   3. Weather sound matching

Assessment Opportunities

Observational Assessment

1. Skills to Monitor
   1. Weather vocabulary use
   2. Observation accuracy
   3. Recording participation
   4. Group discussion involvement
2. Progress Indicators
   1. Increased weather term usage
   2. Better prediction abilities
   3. Growing interest in weather events

Additional Resources

Recommended Books

• “Weather Words and What They Mean” by Gail Gibbons
• “Little Cloud” by Eric Carle
• “The Wind Blew” by Pat Hutchins

Australian Weather Resources

• Bureau of Meteorology Education Resources
• CSIRO Education Programs

Appendix A: Weather Chart Template

Design Specifications

1. Base Layout
   1. Create a large chart (minimum A2 size – 420mm × 594mm)
   2. Use heavy cardstock or laminated poster board
   3. Divide into seven columns (one for each day)
   4. Include five rows for different weather aspects
2. Row Categories (top to bottom)
   1. Day of the Week
   2. Temperature Range (using color coding)
   3. Sky Conditions
   4. Wind Level
   5. Precipitation
3. Symbol Area
   1. Create a pocket or envelope attached to the chart
   2. Include weather symbol cards (8cm × 8cm): – Sun (yellow circle) – Partial sun (yellow circle partially covered) – Cloudy (grey cloud shapes) – Rain (blue droplets) – Wind (swirling lines) – Storm (lightning bolt and clouds)
4. Temperature Display
   1. Use a simple color strip system: – Blue: Below 15°C – Green: 15-23°C – Yellow: 24-30°C – Red: Above 30°C
   2. Attach a moveable marker or clip
5. Optional Features
   1. Clear plastic overlay for writing dates
   2. Velcro dots for attaching symbols
   3. Magnetic strips for metallic surfaces
   4. Additional row for special observations

Appendix B: DIY Weather Instruments

Simple Rain Gauge

1. Materials Needed
   1. Clear plastic 2L bottle
   2. Scissors (teacher use only)
   3. Ruler
   4. Permanent marker
   5. Small rocks or gravel
   6. Clear adhesive tape
   7. Optional: Weather-resistant label paper
2. Assembly Steps
   1. Clean and dry the bottle thoroughly
   2. Cut the top quarter of the bottle off (teacher task)
   3. Place rocks in the bottom (about 5cm deep) for stability
   4. Invert the cut-off top to create a funnel
   5. Secure the funnel with tape
   6. Mark measurements on the side: – Start at the top of the rocks – Make marks every 1cm – Label every 5cm mark
3. Installation
   1. Place in an open area away from buildings
   2. Ensure the gauge is level (use spirit level)
   3. Secure base to prevent tipping
   4. Mark the location with safety cones
4. Safety Notes
   • Adult supervision required for cutting
   • Check for sharp edges
   • Ensure stability with proper anchoring
   • Regular checks for damage or wear

Child-Safe Wind Sock

1. Materials Needed
   1. 30cm embroidery hoop
   2. 1 meter of lightweight fabric (ripstop nylon or similar)
   3. Strong string or light rope (2 meters)
   4. Safety pins
   5. Fabric scissors (teacher use only)
   6. Optional: Weather-resistant ribbons
2. Assembly Steps
   1. Cut fabric: – 100cm × 30cm rectangle – Hem all edges (or use pinking shears)
   2. Create the sock: – Fold fabric in half lengthwise – Sew or pin the long edge
   3. Attach to hoop: – Thread wider end onto inner hoop – Place outer hoop over fabric – Tighten hoop screws securely
   4. Add hanging strings: – Tie three equal lengths of string to hoop – Join strings at top for hanging
   5. Optional: Attach ribbons to tail end
3. Installation
   1. Choose location: – Open area away from buildings – Visible from observation area – 1.2-1.5m mounting height
   2. Secure mounting: – Use strong hook or bracket – Check attachment points daily – Consider quick-release system for storage
4. Safety Considerations
   1. Regular inspection of: – String condition – Hoop security – Mounting hardware
   2. Storage during severe weather
   3. Keep mounting height appropriate for children
   4. Ensure no hanging strings within child reach