Meteorologists, the scientists who study weather, use special instruments every single day to collect weather data. By recording weather information over time, they can spot patterns, make forecasts, and warn people about dangerous storms. Today you are going to be a weather scientist yourself!
A thermometer measures how hot or cold the air is. Temperature is measured in degrees. In the United States, we use degrees Fahrenheit, where water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees. A rain gauge measures how much rain has fallen, usually in inches or millimeters. A barometer measures air pressure, which helps predict whether the weather will stay the same or change soon. High air pressure usually means clear skies, while low air pressure often brings clouds and storms.
A wind vane shows which direction the wind is coming from. Winds are named after the direction they blow from. A north wind comes from the north. A anemometer measures wind speed. Together, all these tools give meteorologists a complete picture of current weather conditions. By comparing today's data with yesterday's and last week's, they can see if weather patterns are changing and make predictions about what is coming next.
1. What tool do meteorologists use to measure temperature?
2. What does a rain gauge measure?
3. What does high air pressure usually mean for the weather?
4. Why do meteorologists collect weather data over many days instead of just one day? How does tracking patterns help them?
Write a definition or draw a picture for each word.
Instructions: Each day this week, look outside and record your weather observations in the chart below. Draw a picture of the sky, check the temperature, and note the wind conditions. By the end of the week, you will have a complete weather record!
| Day | Date | Sky (draw) | Temperature | Wind (calm/breezy/windy) | Precipitation (none/rain/snow) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | |||||
| Tuesday | |||||
| Wednesday | |||||
| Thursday | |||||
| Friday |
Activity: You can build simple weather tools at home!
Homemade Thermometer: Fill a clear bottle with colored water. Poke a straw through a hole in the bottle cap. The water level in the straw will rise and fall with temperature changes.
Homemade Wind Vane: Cut an arrow shape from cardstock. Tape it to a pencil so it can spin. The arrow will point in the direction the wind is coming from.
Homemade Rain Gauge: Use a clear cup and mark measurements on the side. Place it outside to collect rain, then measure how much fell.
Which instrument did you make? Draw a picture of your homemade tool.
Describe how your instrument works.
1. A thermometer measures how hot or cold the air is.
2. A rain gauge measures wind speed.
3. A barometer measures air pressure.
4. High air pressure usually brings storms.
5. A wind vane shows which direction the wind is blowing from.
6. Meteorologists collect weather data over time to find patterns.
7. An anemometer measures the amount of rainfall.
8. Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Word Bank: thermometerrain gaugebarometerwind vaneanemometermeteorologisttemperatureforecast
1. A ________________ measures how hot or cold the air is.
2. A ________________ measures how much rain has fallen.
3. A ________________ measures air pressure to predict weather changes.
4. A ________________ shows the direction the wind is coming from.
5. An ________________ measures how fast the wind is blowing.
6. A ________________ is a scientist who studies weather.
7. Hot and cold are descriptions of ________________.
8. A ________________ is a prediction of what the weather will be like.
Look at this week's weather data. Answer the questions.
| Day | High Temp | Sky | Wind | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 72°F | Sunny | Light breeze | None |
| Tuesday | 68°F | Cloudy | Moderate wind | None |
| Wednesday | 61°F | Overcast | Windy | Rain |
| Thursday | 58°F | Stormy | Strong wind | Heavy rain |
| Friday | 64°F | Partly cloudy | Light breeze | None |
1. What was the highest temperature during the week? On which day?
2. On which days did precipitation occur?
3. What pattern do you notice about temperature and clouds this week?
4. Do you think next week's weather will be more like the beginning or the middle of this week? Explain your reasoning.