Weather Instruments
Lesson Plan Title
Measuring the Weather
General Goal(s)
This lesson will introduce weather and the ways which weather can be measured.
Specific Objectives
Introduce weather measuring tools/instruments that are used at weather stations around Canada.
- Types of instruments include: thermometer, barometer, wind sock, snow gauge
Show that weather can be measured using methods other than ground instruments.
- Other methods of measuring weather include weather balloons and satellites.
Build a weather instrument or a model satellite/satellite launching rocket.
Required Materials
computer and projector, craft materials depending on chosen activity
Weather Instruments Lesson Plan Gr. 4-5 | ![]() |
Weather Instruments Power Point Gr. 4-5 | ![]() |
Weather Instruments Power Point Gr. 4-5 (Teacher Notes Included) | ![]() |
Lead-In
Warm the class up with some weather-related jokes.
Step-By-Step Procedures
- Weather jokes (http://weather-jokes.allthejokes.com/) (5 min)
- Why did your sister cut a hole in her new umbrella? Because she wanted to be able to tell when it stopped raining.
- What did Santa Claus's wife say during a thunderstorm? 'Come and look at the rain, dear.'
- Why do mother kangaroos hate rainy days? Because then the children have to play inside.
- Deliver computer presentation. (25 min)
- Build and instrument/rocket/satellite. (30 min)
- Weather measuring instruments
- See useful links below for instructions
- Weather measuring instruments
- Satellites
- See useful links below for instructions
- Rockets
☆ For weather instruments, have students make measurements for several days.
Plan for Independent Practice
Have the students use their weather instruments to make measurements for several days. Ask them to compile the data and present it in the method of your choice.
Assessment Based on Objectives
- Did the students follow instructions to build the instrument properly?
- Are the students making accurate readings and interpretations with their instruments?
- Is the record of these readings presented in a clear and correct manner?
Useful Links
Build a Weather Satellite
Weather Instruments
Canadian Space Agency
Keywords
Weather, temperature, precipitation, cloud, wind, light, rainbow, moisture, pressure, measurements, satellite, weather balloons