Science Activity


What You Need

  • poster board
  • felt-tip pens

What to Do

  2. Pick one of the suggestions: for example, a rainy, puddly day. Write its description at the center of a circle. Then ask children to picture themselves coming to school on a day like that. What would they wear? Write children's responses outside the circle (or draw them), then connect them to the circle with straight lines.
  4. Divide the class into four teams, each of which is responsible for thinking of common-sense rules for one type of weather (for example, fog, hot sun, freezing cold). Be sure children understand that their common-sense rules should include not only clothing and special gear but also common-sense safety rules.
  5. Have teams brainstorm for a set period of time. Then, on poster board, record (or have a student-volunteer record) the common-sense rules for each type of weather.

Teaching Options

Involve family members in developing common-sense rules for different kinds of weather. Divide a paper into quarters and list each set of rules under a descriptive title. Leave space for parents or other family members to add their suggestions.

Refer to the posters as each kind of weather occurs. Encourage children to re-evaluate the rules and amend them if necessary.

Should children become alarmed after hearing predictions of extreme weather (such as blizzards or hurricanes), remind them of their common-sense rules and stress that there are ways of protecting themselves in all kinds of weather. Consult the U.S. Weather Bureau or local authorities for suggested procedures, and share the information with children.