KS1 Weather Activities

Discover the Wonders of Weather with Nine Hands-On Activities

Transform your KS1 Geography and Science lessons with this comprehensive weather resource featuring nine engaging activities that help young learners observe, measure, and understand weather patterns and phenomena.

Nine Complete Activities Included:

1. Play Outside: Take learning outdoors! Observe and experience different types of weather firsthand, developing awareness of how weather affects our daily lives and activities
2. UK Weather Map: Explore weather across the United Kingdom using simple weather maps, learning to identify weather symbols and understand that different places can have different weather at the same time
3. Measuring Wind Direction: Become weather scientists by creating wind vanes to measure wind direction, learning compass points and understanding how wind affects weather
4. Measuring Precipitation: Build rain gauges to measure rainfall! Children collect data over time, developing measurement skills and understanding precipitation patterns
5. Measuring Temperature: Learn to read thermometers and record temperature throughout the day and across seasons, discovering how temperature changes and affects our environment
6. Types Of Clouds: Look up and explore the sky! Identify different cloud types—cumulus, stratus, and cirrus—and learn what they tell us about weather conditions
7. Measuring Cloud Cover: Use an Okta grid to measure and record cloud cover, developing observation skills and understanding how clouds relate to weather patterns
8. Sundial: Discover how the sun creates shadows that change throughout the day by designing and testing a sundial, connecting weather observation to time and the Earth's rotation
9. Design A Snowflake: Explore the beauty and science of snowflakes! Create symmetrical snowflake designs while learning about winter weather and the unique properties of snow

Why Teachers Choose This Resource:

• Curriculum-Aligned: Fully supports KS1 Geography (weather and seasons) and Year 2 Science (seasonal changes) objectives
• Hands-On Weather Science: Practical activities that make weather observation engaging and meaningful for young learners
• Ready to Use: Complete lesson plans with learning objectives, equipment lists, and step-by-step instructions
• Develops Data Skills: Activities include measuring, recording, and interpreting weather data
• Outdoor Learning Opportunities: Several activities encourage exploration and observation beyond the classroom
• Cross-Curricular Links: Connects to KS1 Maths (measurement, data), Science (seasonal changes), and Art & Design (snowflake patterns)
• Simple Equipment: Uses accessible materials and basic weather instruments suitable for young children

Perfect For:

• KS1 Geography lessons on weather and seasons (Years 1-2)
• Year 2 Science lessons on seasonal changes
• Developing observation and measurement skills
• Homeschool geography and science curriculum
• Building understanding of daily and seasonal weather patterns
• Outdoor learning and environmental awareness

Learning Outcomes:

Through these activities, children will identify and describe different types of weather, observe and record weather patterns over time, use simple weather instruments to collect data, understand seasonal weather changes, develop scientific observation and measurement skills, and recognize how weather affects daily life and the natural world.

What Makes This Resource Special:

Weather is something children experience every day, making it the perfect topic for developing scientific thinking and geographical awareness. These activities transform casual weather observations into systematic scientific investigation, helping young learners understand patterns, make predictions, and appreciate the natural world around them.

Building Weather Awareness:

Starting weather observation in KS1 builds essential skills for future science and geography learning. By measuring, recording, and discussing weather, children develop the vocabulary, observation skills, and data handling abilities that form the foundation for understanding more complex environmental concepts in later years.

Bring weather learning to life! These engaging activities help KS1 students become weather watchers and junior meteorologists, developing scientific observation skills, geographical understanding, and genuine curiosity about the ever-changing weather around them.