Teaching the Weather to Elementary Students

Teaching Resources:
Weather Quiz Master: Grades 3-4
Weather Quiz Master: Grades 7-8
Weather Island Science Adventure

As teachers, you know weather refers to the state of the atmosphere. Atmosphere is a mixture of invisible gas molecules and dust, and has three layers. The layer closest to earth is the troposphere. The conditions we experience as weather take place mostly in the troposphere.

A region’s weather is not the same as climate. Every day weather changes according to such things as air temperature, wind and clouds. The climate, however, depends on its average year-round weather conditions.

Weather affects human conditions. On a warm sunny day, people wear lightweight clothing. When there is a storm or there are winds, people tend to seek shelter inside. Weather can affect what they eat and drink, too. During summer time, ice-cold drinks are more refreshing than coffee or hot chocolate.

Some basic facts about the weather:

1. Causes of Weather. The energy that causes weather changes comes from the sun. The sun warms the earth’s surface. In turn, the surface heats the air close to it. The amount of sunlight the surface receives affects the temperature, which defines the hotness and coldness of the air.

2. Why does weather not the same in all parts of the world? The earth is round, so the sun warms the earth unevenly and the sun's rays hit the earth's surface at different angles. Different parts of the world receive different amounts of energy.

3. The tilt of the Earth also adds to the uneven heating of its surface. The result of the tilt is the number of daylight hours varying throughout the year. This variation causes seasonal changes in temperature. When it is summer up north, it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Use visual presentations to explain this when necessary.

4. Differences in the Earth’s surface also affect the air temperature. Land absorbs and loses heat more quickly than water. In summer, the air near an ocean or any water body is usually cooler than the air over land. In winter, it is colder inland than in areas near water.

Tips and tools for teaching weather:

1. Causes of Weather. The energy that causes weather changes comes from the sun. The sun warms the earth’s surface. In turn, the surface heats the air close to it. The amount of sunlight the surface receives affects the temperature, which defines the hotness and coldness of the air.

2. Why does weather not the same in all parts of the world? The earth is round, so the sun warms the earth unevenly and the sun's rays hit the earth's surface at different angles. Different parts of the world receive different amounts of energy.

3. The tilt of the Earth also adds to the uneven heating of its surface. The result of the tilt is the number of daylight hours varying throughout the year. This variation causes seasonal changes in temperature. When it is summer up north, it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Use visual presentations to explain this when necessary.

4. Differences in the Earth’s surface also affect the air temperature. Land absorbs and loses heat more quickly than water. In summer, the air near an ocean or any water body is usually cooler than the air over land. In winter, it is colder inland than in areas near water.

Weather can be easily taught to students by not making it complicated. Put in mind that you are dealing with young elementary kids who may have limited understanding on this topic. The key is to convey it through simple terms and illustrations.

Teaching Resources:
Weather Quiz Master: Grades 3-4
Weather Quiz Master: Grades 7-8
Weather Island Science Adventure

Classroom Posters - A Great Teaching Tool!
Weather Posters
Science Posters