Weather Watcher Challenge

Hey, young Meteorologist! Today, you're embarking on a fascinating journey into weather watching. Over the coming month, you'll collect and record the daily weather data and become a skilled weather observer!

What You'll Need:

  • Curiosity and Imagination
  • ​Nature Journal, and pencils
  • Braille slate and stylus 
  • (Tactile) drawing paper
  • Favorite drawing tools
  • Tactile markers
  • Tactile measuring tool or ruler 
  • Weather app
  • Internet access for research 
  • Screen reader (if available)
  • Optional: family member or friend to assist

Instructions:

Step 1. Daily Weather Table
  • Create a table in your nature journal with the following columns: ​Date, Temperature (°C or °F), Wind Speed (mph or km/h), Wind Direction, Rainfall (mm or inches), Sunshine (hours), Partly Cloudy (Yes/No), Cloudy (Yes/No), Snow (Yes/No).
  • If you have low or no vision, use tactile drawing paper and markers.


Step 2. Weather Observations:
Many interesting and fun ways exist to learn about current and forecasted weather conditions. Try using one or more of the techniques below to obtain your daily weather data.

  1. Nature Observation: Step outside and observe the weather. Try and gauge the temperature, feel the wind, and notice the cloud cover and any precipitation. Observe animal or insect behavior; this can often serve as an indicator of changing weather conditions.
  2. Online Weather Platforms: Use accessible weather websites or apps. These platforms often provide detailed information, including wind speed, precipitation, and forecasts.
  3. Voice-Assisted Technology: Use your phone's virtual assistant to get real-time weather updates. Ask specific questions about the weather, such as the temperature or the likelihood of rain.
  4. Weather Stations: Set up a simple weather station at home with basic instruments like a wind vane, anemometer, and rain gauge.
  5. Local News or Radio: Listen to local weather reports on TV or radio. Many of these broadcasts include interesting information about current weather patterns and trends.


Step 3. Recording Data:
  1. Each day, observe and record the weather conditions in your table. 
  2. Check wind speed and direction, or feel the wind direction yourself.
  3. Note if there is rainfall (measured in millimeters or inches) or whether it was a sunny, partly cloudy, cloudy, or snowy day.
  4. Describe your observations, such as the feeling of the wind, the scent of the air, or, for example, the sound of raindrops. Use descriptive words, for example, gentle pitter patter of rain, howling wind, and hot sun.
  5. If needed, use voice-assisted technology or accessible apps.
  6. Use your braille slate or tactile markers to label columns and record data if required.
  7. If necessary, get help from a family member or friend.


Step 4. Tracking Changes:
  • Track patterns and changes in the weather over the month. 
  • Have you noticed any trends? 
  • Does the weather vary from day to day?
​
Jot down your findings in your Nature Journal or braille slate.


Step 5. Review and Write About Your Discoveries: 
  • At the end of the month, review the data and create simple graphs or charts to visualize the information.
  • Write down or sketch your thoughts, observations, and what you discovered about weather across the month in your Nature Journal or braille slate. This document is a great resource that allows you to review the specifics of your observations at any time.​


Step 7. Questions:
Respond to and answer the following questions in your Nature Journal or braille slate.

  1. Predict the high and low temperatures for tomorrow. How might these temperatures impact your day?
  2. Examine the seasonal weather trends of the past five years. How does today's weather align with or depart from expectations based on historical trends?
  3. Investigate if different areas in your neighborhood experience varied weather conditions. What factors contribute to these microclimates?
  4. Investigate past weather occurrences in your region. Were there any severe weather events? What can you learn from severe weather events?
  5. Think about any challenges you encountered while conducting this activity. What were they, and how did you get past them?
  6. How did the challenge enhance your understanding of weather patterns and observation skills?


Step 6. Share Your Discoveries:
Talk about your "Weather Watcher Challenge" with family, friends, and others important to you! Imagine sharing your weather observations with your teacher. What part of the activity would you want to present to your class?


Conclusion:
Your daily observations taught you about weather patterns, and you've formed a unique link with nature. The best part about this challenge is that you may keep discovering and appreciating our ever-changing surroundings. Stay tuned to your senses, and your Weather Watcher trip will be full of wonder. Have fun with your adventures, young Meteorologist!

Image credit: Photograph by Valeriy Voennyy