Weather Journal Tracking Project
Record daily weather observations — temperature, wind, cloud type, precipitation — for two weeks and look for patterns like a real meteorologist.
What You'll Need
- 1Notebook for weather journal
- 2Outdoor thermometer
- 3Cloud identification chart
- 4Pencil
- 5Rain gauge (optional)
What You'll Need
A dedicated notebook for your weather journal
An outdoor thermometer
A cloud identification chart (print one or save on your phone)
A pencil
A rain gauge (optional but adds data quality)
How to Play
Set up your journal. Create a table with columns: Date, Time, Temperature, Wind Direction, Wind Strength (calm/light/moderate/strong), Cloud Type, Precipitation, and Notes.
Commit to recording twice daily — morning (around 8 AM) and evening (around 5 PM). Go outside, observe, and write everything down. This discipline is what separates casual looking from real science.
Learn three basic cloud types: Cumulus (fluffy cauliflower shapes — fair weather), Stratus (flat grey layers — often means drizzle), Cirrus (thin wispy streaks high up — often signal weather change coming). This alone makes you a better observer than most adults.
Estimate wind: hold a wet finger up. The cool side faces the wind direction. Watch trees — still = calm, leaves rustling = light, branches moving = moderate, whole trees swaying = strong.
Record precipitation honestly. Not just "rain" — light drizzle? Heavy downpour? How long did it last? If you have a rain gauge, measure accumulation.
After two weeks, analyze. Graph temperatures over time. What was the warmest day? Coldest? Did cloud types predict the next day's weather? Try forecasting: "Cirrus clouds today means the barometric pressure is dropping. I predict rain within 24-48 hours."
Tips
Consistency is everything. Even on boring, clear days, record the data. The patterns only emerge with complete records.
Compare your observations to the official forecast. Were you more accurate? Where did you differ?
Extend to a month if your child is engaged. Monthly data reveals even more patterns — pressure systems, temperature trends, seasonal shifts.
This is exactly what meteorologists do, just with more sophisticated instruments. Your child is practicing real science.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 15 min, with 10 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: notebook for weather journal, outdoor thermometer, cloud identification chart, pencil, rain gauge (optional).
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors or outdoors?
This activity works great both indoors and outdoors, giving you flexibility based on the weather or your space.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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