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Science Lab / MAKE · LEARN · DISCOVER

My Weather Journal.

Look closely. Record a little. Discover a pattern.

Ages 4–75–10 minutes a dayIndoors with a view

Start with a view through a window. Choose one of the illustrated activities below to record the sky, compare a week of observations or try a small design challenge.

A child drawing in a journal beside a closed window overlooking a cloudy sky.
Observation, comparison, describing, designing

Choose a weather activity.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

Let's make it happen.

  1. Choose a safe view

    Look through a closed window with a grown-up. Do not climb or open a window to get a better view.

  2. Record when you look

    Write the date and time. Try a similar time each day if you are comparing the week.

  3. Describe the sky

    Notice clouds, clear areas or rain. Describe what you can see without looking directly at the sun.

  4. Look for wind clues

    Watch leaves or a flag. Say whether they are still or moving. If nothing suitable is visible, record that you cannot tell.

  5. Draw and compare

    Use the daily diary or weekly tracker. Save your picture before leaving. Ask a grown-up about how it feels outdoors, then compare your observations.

THE LITTLE BIT OF LEARNING

What's happening here?

Weather is what the atmosphere is doing at a particular place and time. Looking regularly helps us notice changes in cloud cover, wind and other conditions. A short journal records this week’s weather; it does not establish a climate pattern.

Keep the wondering going.

  • What changed since your last observation?
  • What evidence tells you about the wind?
  • What would you wear for your planned activity?

Make it work for you.

Keep it simple

Choose one thing to describe, such as the clouds. A grown-up can write the child’s words while the child draws.

Take it further

Compare records from the same time over seven days. Explain differences using the observations rather than guessing what happened between visits.

Not quite going to plan?

If the view is blocked or you miss a day, write that down. Do not fill gaps with invented observations. Indoor temperature does not tell you the outdoor temperature.

A PLACE FOR YOUR IDEAS

How to observe the weather

Open the illustrated guide or choose a diary, tracker, clothing activity or toy-shelter challenge.

Image · prints on A4 or Letter using “fit to page”. Plain paper works just as well.

Download the sheet Open image to print ↗
Preview of the how to observe the weather drawing sheet

You may print and use this original activity sheet at home or in your classroom. Please link to the activity page when sharing it online.

ONE IDEA LEADS TO ANOTHER

Keep exploring.

All activities ↗