Build a Backyard Weather Station
What You’ll Learn
Learn how to measure and record weather patterns like temperature, rainfall, wind, and cloud types using simple tools and your senses.
Quick Background
Spring is full of surprises—sunshine, showers, wind, and sudden changes. Weather affects everything from plants to animals to your mood. Tracking weather helps you notice patterns, make predictions, and connect to natural cycles like the water cycle and seasons.
Try it Together
Create your very own backyard weather station using items around the house:
Thermometer: Track temperature at the same time daily.
Rain gauge: Use a clear jar with measurements marked in inches or centimeters.
Wind tracker: Make a wind sock or pinwheel from ribbon, paper, or string.
Cloud watcher: Use a sky journal to sketch what the clouds look like each day.
Optional: Create a weather board or chart to log daily data.
Tip: Compare your results with a local weather app or news station and talk about the differences!
Quote
“If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would have only four years of life left.”
— Albert Einstein
Family Talks (Reflection Prompts)
1. What kind of weather do you enjoy most? Why?
2. How does weather affect your energy or your plans?
3. Why is weather prediction important in farming, flying, or sports?
Why is this relevant?
Meteorologists, storm chasers, pilots, and even farmers rely on understanding the weather. Weather data also powers apps, emergency alerts, and even the design of buildings and cities.
Document It!
1. Track the weather every day this week (temperature, clouds, wind, rain)
2. Create a cloud type guide: cirrus, cumulus, stratus, etc.
3. Write a weather journal entry titled: “Today, the sky felt like…”
Bonus challenge (Optional)
Design your own weekly weather forecast poster for your family. Include icons, predictions, outfit suggestions, and fun weather facts. Create blog and submit to us for posting.
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