Weather Science

Children begin learning science at very early ages. In the preschool setting, the first practice with science often comes in the form of dressing the weather bear. This science activity involves making observations—is the weather warm/cold? sunny/rainy?—then making a prediction based on those observations—how should we dress the bear? While standards of learning vary state-to-state, this table shows the approximate grade level at which a child will encounter weather-related science topics:

And, of course, our children encounter weather science anytime a natural disaster, like a hurricane, is in the news. Any of these science encounters provides an opportunity for you to explore what is God’s role in a world where weather happens? Use the Bible verses in the “Bible Connections” to explore together what Jesus says. Especially focus on how God’s world is built on natural laws and weather forms itself according to those laws (and how those laws are why weather can be studied and predicted by weather scientists).

Most importantly, ask, how do we think the Lord calls us in response to destructive weather events, like hurricanes? How can we be in prayer and service for those affected?

Here are just a few resources for exploring weather science:

The Kid Weather app is geared toward elementary-aged students. It was designed by a 6-year-old and his meteorologist dad to teach basic weather concepts to young children. Read a review here.

NOAA/NASA SciJinks is a website geared toward middle- and high-school aged students and their educators.

Discovery & Faith is a fan of the original Magic School Bus titles:

• Kicks Up a Storm
• Inside a Hurricane
• Wet All Over: A Book About the Water Cycle