Weather and Climate Science Education for Grades 3–12

What's the weather today? People are interested in the weather so they can plan their day, determine what they should wear, if they should venture outside, when and where to vacation, and many other tasks. Gardeners and farmers need to understand both weather and climate to decide what and where to plant, and how best to take care of their animals. Homeowners also need to understand typical climate conditions, allowing them to determine which flowers and shrubs to plant on their properties. It also tells them what kind of insulation, furnace, and air conditioner to install. And when stormy weather is predicted, people need to be prepared. It is important that they know how to be safe in dangerous weather.

The first level of Weather and Climate Science Education for Grades 3–12 introduces basic weather words and ideas. These activities focus on understanding the weather around you. Readers will also begin to learn the difference between weather and climate, and how these ideas are related. The second level introduces readers to more complex weather topics. They will learn about air pressure, winds, humidity, and fronts. The third level delves more deeply into weather and climate science. This level will help prepare readers to understand weather all through their lifetimes. The final section, the Facilitator's Guide, provides answers to the youth activities as well as information about Next Generation Science Standards.