Here Comes the Sun

We learned about weather this week!  Harper and I discussed the difference between weather and climate.  We learned about different types of weather and the tools we can use to study and make predictions about weather.  Harper also learned about several types of clouds.  We did quite a few activities that were all pretty cool!

   

   

We used cotton balls to make models of cloud types.

   

   

  

We made our own cloud in a jar!  You take hot water, drop a match into it, then place ice cubes on top of the lid for a couple minutes.  When you remove the lid, you will be able to see the cloud escaping the jar.

   

   

It's hard to see our cloud in these pictures.

  

We did this experiment a few times.

  

   

Harper's favorite activity was this flip book about the water cycle.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

   

We made a simulated water cycle in a plastic bag.

  

Harper enjoyed pointing out what was happening in the bag by using her flip book as a reference.  

   

We could see the result of evaporation and condensation!

  

When our "clouds" got heavy enough, we could see precipitation (the right side of the bag)!

   

We took our jar of water outside to learn about rainbows and the reflection and refraction of light.

   

     

We made an anemometer to "measure" the speed of the wind outside.

       

It was a little flimsy, but Harper got the idea.

  

We made a hurricane model in a bowl.

   

  

  

  

And a tornado in a bottle!

  

  

  

  

We made a snow storm in a jar.  Although we sadly did not get to see any snow this year, we are super ready for warmer days ahead.

   

   

   

The kids and I made a jello treat for the afternoon with clouds and rainbows.

   

We made a storm front simulation using warm red water and cold blue water.  The cooler water displaces the warmer water.  This shows how warmer air rises above the more dense cooler air.  The same properties in our atmosphere lead to the development of precipitation and thunderstorms.

   

  

   

   

We spent Sunday morning making binoculars so that we could observe clouds.

   

   

   

  

We also made a rain gauge.  Ironically, this was the first week of 2021 without rain so I have been filling our gauge with water every night for Harper to measure the "night rain".

   

   

    

   

    

Last night we wrapped up our weather lesson by playing meteorologist.  Harper gave us her weather report for the next several days.  It looks like we should expect sunny weather today, a snow storm tomorrow and then hurricane force winds on Sunday.