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Homemade Weather Station

Question: What would my family need to make a simple garden weather station?Answer: Keeping track of the weather helps gardeners know when to plant and how often to water. A basic weather station should include: a minimum-maximum thermometer, a rain...
Flower Sundial

Question: My kids want to plant a flower sundial, where the flowers are planted according to what time of day they open, so that the blooming progresses around the circle throughout the day. Do you have any information? Answer: Here are some...
Investigating Rain and Dew

Question: The children and I have been talking about plants' need for water, and I'd like to have them explore the concept of moisture in the air. Do you have any suggestions? Answer: Here are two experiments that should help: 1. Make rain. Have kids...
Getting in "Touch" with your Soil

Overview Students explore ways to determine the composition of soil. Materials: soil samples water a clear, plastic container a ruler Background Soil composition is determined by the amount of sand, silt, and clay particles present in a given...
Tracking Seasons: Phenology Frenzy

In the spring, longer days and warmer temperatures trigger sap to run, buds to swell and bloom, and birds and insects to appear. People living close to the land are acutely aware of these changes in nature that are influenced by weather and climate. The...
Weather Matters

Weather describes the variations that occur in the atmosphere from day to day, while climate refers to the typical weather found in an area based on years of observations. To understand these concepts, it helps to understand what influences climate. The...
Branch Out with Weather and Climate

Here are some suggestions from classroom teachers to spark student understanding and investigations of weather and climate. Make rain! Have students cut the top off a clear plastic soda bottle about one-fourth of the way down the bottle. Pour some...
Seasonal Sun

Challenge older students to explore the sun's seasonal movements by determining the average height of the sun at noon in each of the school year seasons. Establish a viewing spot where observers...
Mountains as Biodiversity Hotpsots - Himalayan Expedition Part 1

The Expedition Begins Mount Makalu in the background. Banana tree in the foreground. Photo: TMIAfter weeks of planning and preparation, your expedition is finally going to begin. First you land in Kathmandu, Nepal. You've planned to spend two days here,...
Mountains as Water Sources - Andes Expedition Part 2

You worry that many of the activities you have seen during the expedition might have an impact on the quality of these water supplies. So far, you've seen land cleared for farming and grazing, trees cut for firewood and charcoal, and plants removed...