Exploring Our Weather

This week we dived right into exploring our weather, our next science unit, through several activities.  The children were introduced to making predictions and observations and the topics of wind and temperature.  In the beginning of the week, the children shared their ideas about weather and began learning how to observe and record the weather. They drew and wrote about their favorite weather and what they observed for weather (the snowy day) on Tuesday in their science notebooks.  We also began recording weather on our calendar.  The children are collecting this data in their science notebooks as well.

The children also used their hands to learn about temperature by touching objects (hand warmer, ice pack, hot and cold water) to decide if they were hot, warm, cool, or cold.  They recorded their observations in their science notebooks and they reflected on their predictions and results.  The children also compared more objects by exploring an area outside and determining what was hot, warm, cool, and cold.  Again, they recorded their findings in their science notebooks.  We had a wonderful discussion about how might their observations be different on a day with different weather conditions.  The children were also introduced to a thermometer. 

The children were also introduced to observing wind and wind speeds as part of observing weather conditions.  They observed wind outdoors and reflected on their observations in their science notebooks.  They also made and used a simple tool to observe wind speed and direction.

Questions to ask to your child:

What observations can you make about today's weather?
How would you have to dress for today's weather?
What scientist tool would you use to measure temperature?
Where else have you seen thermometers used? 
What is wind?
How do you know when wind is blowing?
What are some ways to measure wind?

Work Samples:

Comparing Temperature and Recording Results

Comparing Temperature and Recording Results