Today’s round up is full of great weather science experiments and investigation ideas. Observing the weather is a great way to practice recording and displaying data as well as learning about weather and how it changes from day to day.
Weather Science Experiments
How to measure rainfall
A simple rain gauge is an easy way to measure rainfall. Don’t forget to record the results and empty it each day.
Find out how hard it’s raining with Rainy Day Mum.
Wind Experiments
If you want to get crafty, try making a pinwheel like this one from Red Ted Art. You should find it spins more on windy days.
Inspiration Laboratories makes a great model hurricane.
Storm in a Jar
We made a storm in a jar to demonstrate storms on Jupiter in This Is Rocket Science.
I’ll blow your house down
Can you blow down the Three Little Pigs House?
Build your own anemometer to measure wind speed.
Find out which direction the wind is blowing by making your own wind vane.
Water Cycle Investigations
This fun mini water cycle is a great way to illustrate the water cycle.
We love this LEGO water cycle model from Edventures too.
Find out how water evaporates in this easy activity.
Set up a water cycle in a bag!
Homemade Weather Station
Did you know you can make a very simple weather station using pinecones?
More weather science for kids
Make an easy barometer to measure air pressure with The Consortium.
We love these sun prints from Creative Family Fun too.
These weather sensory bottles would be great for younger children from Twodaloo.
Learn about clouds with this easy rain cloud in a jar.
Can you think of any more weather science themed activities?
Why is the sky blue?
When light from the Sun enters the atmosphere it contains all the colours of the rainbow, which all together appear as white light. Gases in the atmosphere make the light slow down, change direction and scatter. Blue light is scattered the most, which is why we see the sky as blue.
What makes a rainbow?
It is the refraction of light which makes the sky look blue. Rainbows are formed in a similar way, except it’s rain or another water source ( you can demonstrate this with a hosepipe ) which makes the light we see to be split up into its constituent colours.
We only see rainbows when the sun is behind us with water droplets falling in front.
Love the “make a hurricane” idea!