Science Activities for 5-8
Weather and Climate
In Ancient Egypt, life depended on the Nile River, the longest river in the world for travel, irrigation, and food (fish). Each year, in early summer, heavy rains felt further South in Africa and caused the Nile to overflow its banks in Egypt. The flood was very good for the soil, allowing the Egyptians to plant their crops of grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Without the rainy weather cycles, the Egyptians might not have been able to eat. It's no wonder that understanding the weather was important to them!
Understanding weather is important today, too. When we can predict the weather, we can save property and lives. Do you know how to predict the weather?
Meteorologists are people who study weather patterns. You may have seen meteorologists on television. They tell us what kind of weather to expect.
How can you get started as a meteorologist?
Meteorologists study the weather by recording and analyzing data. You can get started by building your own weather station and keeping a record of your measurements. After a while, you'll notice the same weather patterns that allow meteorologists to forecast the weather.
Have your class construct a schoolyard weather station, using the instructions provided on the weather page of the 5-8 Think Like an Egyptian booklet, or view the entire activity booklet for more activities. Both documents are PDFs.