How to Start a Kids Weather Station

Homeschoolers don’t get snow days (most of the time) but the weather is still a part of their learning. Meteorology is an engaging science with plenty of hands-on learning opportunities. Let’s face it, the weather is always there! No matter where you live, you experience weather first hand, on a daily basis. This makes it a perfect real-world science for kids. Ready to get your kids hooked on learning about weather patterns and meteorological terms? Keep reading for a step by step guide on how to start a kid’s weather station in your homeschool.

Tools to Start a Homeschool Weather Station

Every scientist needs tools. For meteorology, tools can be pretty expensive and high tech, or simple and low cost. However, evey weather station will need a way to measure the following:

• Temperature (Thermometer)
• Precipitation (Raingauge)
• Wind Direction (Anemometer)
• Wind Speed (Anemometer)
• Air Pressure (optional)

Pick out tools that fit your budget and outdoor space. Look for opportunities to double up on tools. For example, a thermometer might also have a barometer. Find a safe spot to house each of your tools, then create a routine for checking each tool.

Weather Journals for Kids:

Part of the fun of setting up a weather station is recording the daily weather! Encourage your children to record their findings each day in their weather journals. Using a daily weather journal will help you see patterns and over time help you predict what the weather will be. There are a variety of different types of weather journals available on SuperStarWorksheets.com You’ll find simple daily weather sticker charts, monthly calendar tracking sheets, and more advanced daily weather tracking which includes extras like wind direction, wind speed, precipitaion and more.

You can also track the weather on an annual weather journal sheet to see longer-term patterns at a glance. It’s also a fun and colorful way to add some color to your homeschool classroom.

Weather Science Books for Kids:

Now that you have all those special tools and instruments set up, it’s time to learn how to use them!  Grab a couple of good books on weather and weather predicting to get your homeschool weather station off the ground. Some recommendations are listed below. 

• The Everything Kids’ Weather Book 
• Weather Tracking For Future Meteorologists: The Ultimate Weather Journal For Kids.
• The Kids’ Book of Weather Forecasting 
• STEM Starter for Kids Meteorology Activity Book 
• Forecasting Weather 
• A Kid’s Guide to Forecasting Weather 
• National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Weather 

Weather Youtube Channels:

There are also some amazing channels on Youtube about meteorology for children. The best thing about them is they are free to use. It’s like getting your own personal meteorological science tutor delivered right to your school room! Let these experts help you start a homeschool weather station for your family.

• Be a Weather Watcher: Science for Kids 
• How Do We Know When it Will Rain? 
• Weather 101 for Kids 
• 5 Weather Science Experiments 
• Hands on Weather Activities for Kids 

There are many decorative weather tracking options available as well. You might find that setting up a children’s weather station, inspires you to add more tracking elements indoors as well. Since these elements will be in your home, you might consider more visually appealing options if that is a concern for you.

Homeschool Weather Station Activities for All Ages

Time to add some hands-on learning activities. A homeschool weather station can be a hobby or a full blown science study. Add activities and experiments to suit your homeschool needs. The printables include everything from a weather journal to STEM challenges. If you really want to dive deeply into meteorology, check out the weather lab kits. These are packed with activities, information, and experiments. 

Weather Lab Kits:

• SmartLab Toys You-Track-It Weather Lab 
• The Magic School Bus Weather Lab 
• 4M STEAM Powered Girls Weather Station
• WE-R-KIDS Game / Play 4M Weather Station Kit. Science 

Electronic Weather Station:

• Wittime Latest 2076 Weather Station
• AcuRite 00589 Pro Color Weather Station with Wind Speed, Temperature and Humidity
• Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue Wireless Weather Station with LCD Console

If you opt to get a professional level weather station, you can even join the “Weather Underground” and help predict the weather for your area. 

Need more kid-friendly weather station ideas? Try our preschool Kids Weather Station Printables Page!

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