Measuring the weather
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use different equipment to measure and map the weather in the school grounds.
Key learning points
- A thermometer measures how hot or cold the air is and the reading can be affected by the time of day or season.
- We can measure rainfall using a gauge or count the number of rainy days within a given time, such as a week.
- A weather vane uses compass directions to show where the wind is coming from.
- We can build up a better picture of the weather pattern by taking weather readings at the same time and place each day.
Keywords
Season - The seasons are four times of year that have different weather and they are spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Thermometer - A thermometer is an instrument which is used to measure temperature.
Reading - When you take a reading you record the measurement shown on the instrument.
Fair test - A fair test is an investigation where only one thing is different each time. For example, by measuring at the same place and time so only the day is different.
Common misconception
Using a thermometer to take a reading is an accurate representation of the temperature.
Temperature can change depending on the time of day. When taking the temperature and comparing it over time, it needs to be taken at the same time everyday to make it a fair test.
Teacher tip
Have some equipment ready for the children to look at and explore.
Equipment
Thermometers, weather vane, water gauge
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Geographers track the weather so that ...
Q2.What equipment is used to measure the temperature?
Q3.What is temperature is measured in?
Q4.What can fresh water fall to the ground as?
Q5.What is the weather like in this picture?
Q6.What does a weather vane show us?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Geographers record and __________ the weather to look for patterns.
Q2.What is this piece of equipment called?
Q3.What can the temperature reading on a thermometer be affected by?
Q4.Match each piece of equipment to what it is used to measure.
wind direction
temperature
rain water
Q5.What can you do to make sure that weather readings are fair?
Q6.How could you track weather patterns?
To help you plan your 1 geography lesson on: Measuring the weather, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 geography lesson on: Measuring the weather, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 geography lessons from the Seasons: how does the weather change through the year? unit, dive into the full primary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.