Weather Unit Study Resources
The weather is one of the most fascinating parts of nature to study. It is one phenomena that we can count on to be everywhere all the time. No matter if it is hot or cold, cloudy or sunny, rainy or snowy, there is always weather to observe and study.
Another interesting thing about weather is that it affects almost every facet of our life. We check the weather forecast in the morning to see what clothes we are going to wear and what activities we are going to do. We keep weather patterns in mind when deciding when and where to travel and when planning events.
Weather is, also, always changing. Here in the midwest United States the joke is “if you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes and it will change”. That is so true. For instance, when I sat down to write this there were hardly any clouds in the sky and the winds were calm. Right now, the skies are cloudy and the wind is picking up. Rain must be on its way. The ever-changing quality of weather makes it fun to study.
Create A Weather Unit Study
Weather is a subject that you could study year round along with your other science curriculum or you could do a weather unit study as part of your science program. A general weather study would be a great way to start, and then you could dive deeper where ever your students’ interests lead.
The eBook What Makes The Weather? can help you kick start your weather unit study. This resource teaches about the atmospheric conditions that make up the weather with easy to understand lessons and fun hands-on activities. This would be a great introduction to weather. What Makes The Weather?, also, has instructions to make your own weather station and a printable weather log. This would be perfect if you are extending your weather study to go year round.
To dig deeper into weather, here are some additional links that will help you create the perfect weather unit study.
Let’s start with some videos first.
Weather 101 with Meteorology JD Rudd
Some Basic Information About Weather
Understanding the Weather Maps Used in a Weather Forecast
Weather Maps from the University of Illinois Extension Service
Middle and High School Weather Links:
JetStream – An Online School for Weather from the National Weather Service
S(vere Weather 101 from the National Severe Storms Laboratory – Covers everything from hail to thunderstorms to tornadoes
Weird Weather Occurrences from the National Weather Service
For younger learners:
Weather trading cards with weather vocabulary from the National Severe Storms Laboratory
Prepare for the Storm worksheet from NOAA – PDF that opens in your browser
For Multiple Ages:
Using Clouds To Predict The Weather
Hurricane Lesson Resources and Activities
Weather Science Pinterest Board
And you know how I love field guides! Check out these weather guides I found at Amazon.