Weather Data for Kids: Measure, Record and Predict (Grades 3 to 5 Science)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Weather scientists, called meteorologists, collect data every day. Data means measurements. Today we will learn how to measure weather, record it and spot patterns.

Temperature tells how hot or cold the air is. We measure it with a thermometer. In the United States, we usually use degrees Fahrenheit. Scientists often use degrees Celsius.

Precipitation is water falling from the sky, like rain, snow, sleet or hail. A rain gauge collects rain so we can measure how much fell, usually in inches.

Wind has speed and direction. An anemometer has spinning cups that measure wind speed. A wind vane points to the direction the wind is coming from.

Scientists record data in tables and graphs. A table lists the numbers for each day. A bar graph makes it easy to compare. You can quickly see which day was warmest or wettest.

When we collect data over many months, patterns appear. Summer is usually warmer, and some places get more rain in certain seasons. Patterns help us predict what weather to expect.

Now it's your turn. You want to know how much rain fell last night. Which tool do you check, a thermometer, a rain gauge or a wind vane? Pause and try. A rain gauge measures rainfall.

Great job! Remember, measure weather with tools, record the data in tables and graphs, and use patterns to make predictions. Practice weather data in the Science Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!