Choose three or four activities to do in turn as a class, or as stations.
Works well outdoors.
Start by brainstorming different kinds of weather and write on a board. Then tell students they will be exploring some of them, and explain the stations to them before they are split into groups. About 6 minutes at each station works well for Ks and grade 1s.
Return to the group to review once the stations are complete, and to show photos.
My preferred combination for younger primaries:
1. Measuring temperature
Set up tubs with different water temperatures: hot water, iced water, room temperature water.
Students can also measure the air temperature.
Kindergarteners watch for whether the red line of the thermometer goes up or down, to state whether what they are measuring is hotter or colder.
2. Anemometer (measuring wind speed)
Students can blow to make them turn, as well as holding them up in a wind.
During discussion show a picture of a real anemometer.
3. Making rainbows
Students use the sun and scratched plastic/DVDs to make rainbows.
During discussion, show images of real rainbows.
4. Tornadoes
Use water in plastic bottles to make a pretend tornado.
See other lesson plans focused on Weather phenomena (Kinds of Weather) or Measuring Weather for more ideas.
