Weather

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Barbara J. Feldman

Even though we have it every day, how much we really know about the weather? And what do meteorologists and climatologists really do? To satisfy my curiosity and yours, I went searching. This is what I found.

Climatologist's Toolbox

4 stars

"How do scientists measure climate or look back in time to see what climate was like long ago? Most importantly, how do they try to forecast what might be in store for the planet?" Explore the Climatologist's Toolbox to find out how scientists are learning from tree rings, ice cores and volcanos, and how they use this data to become better forecasters. This site for middle and high school students is part of the Why Files created by the National Institute for Science Education.

Dan's Wild Wild Weather Page

3 stars

Weatherman Dan Satterfield from Huntsville, Alabama explains weather for "kids between 6 and 16 years old and for their parents and teachers, too!" His site covers topics such as Clouds (my favorites are big, puffy cumulus), Wind, Radar, Satellites, Forecasting and Hurricanes. His illustrated explanations are concise, and he has a variety of good science links for teachers. Unfortunately, the game links are all out of date.

Make Your Own Weather Station

4 stars

Using simple household materials and several purchased thermometers, elementary-age students can build tools that measure wind, air pressure, moisture and temperature. The instructions are explicit and easy to follow. Start by clicking on any of the labeled objects in the picture, or use the text menu below it. This weather station makes an excellent project for your family, scout troop or classroom.

Science with NOAA Research

5 stars

These printable weather activity books for middle school students (and their teachers) are amazing. The site is a joint effort of NOAA Research and the University of South Alabama, and is an excellent example of how the Internet can be integrated into science lessons. Some of the twelve weather topics covered are hurricanes, forecasting, El Nino and ocean temperatures. Be sure to print the activity books before you begin the interactive lessons.

Weather Wiz Kids

5 stars

"Why did the woman go outdoors with her purse open? Because she expected some change in the weather." Meteorologist Crystal Wicker has created my pick of the day site because of the variety of her content. Visit for the weather jokes, games, glossary and folklore. "If crows fly low, winds going to blow; If crows fly high, winds going to die." Best clicks are the weather experiments, weather quizzes, and her illustrated article on topics such as hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, clouds and rain.