Have you ever stopped to consider how amazing this world is? I think it helps that I am surrounded by little people all day long, but every time we head outside, we have at least one “WOW” moment.
Children are so great at slowing down and noticing things. The amazing variability of weather we have here in Canada (sometimes within one week) makes weather a fabulous science topic for preschoolers.
Since weather is full of WOW (and math, science, literacy development, and more!), it is one of the seven themes we dive into in my Day-by-Day preschool program: Play into Kindergarten Readiness!
Play into Kindergarten Readiness covers all of the preschool core skills with beauty and whimsy with only ONE 20-minute play-based activity a day!
It is definitely time to skip the overwhelm, stop the endless searching for preschooler activities, and dive into your daily plan full of play and learning! Check out Play into Kindergarten Readiness right here.
Now just before we dive into some amazing weather activities to explore with your preschooler, be sure to grab your FREE Number Formation Pack! These little cards are full of potential – and all instructions for play are included:
Here are some amazing weather activities for preschoolers to explore:
Why Do Leaves Change Colour? This is an annual science experiment in our home. So simple and so cool! This experiment really helps little ones understand why leaves change color in Autumn.
Fascinating Frozen Bubbles by Fireflies and Mud Pies – This science activity is perfect for super cold winter days. Ty this at different points through the winter and record what happens to the bubbles at different temperatures.
Tornado in a Bottle by KC Edventures – Have the kids make their own mini twister using a clean, empty bottle. I love the book suggestion that goes along with this activity.
Simple Evaporation Experiment by Capri + 3 – See evaporation in action using this hands-on weather activity.
Do It Yourself Weather Vane by Steve Spangler Science (link no longer available) – Craft a homemade weather vane with the kids, and then be sure to test it out (with a fan or outside on a windy day).
What Causes Thunderstorms by Life with Moore Babies – This experiment lets kids explore the science behind thunderstorms in a very straightforward way.
Water Cycle in a Bag by Playdough to Plato – The kids can make their own tiny version of the water cycle, observing as each step takes place.
Snow Storm in a Jar by Growing a Jeweled Rose – Whip up a mini snowstorm with kids who are fascinated by colder weather.
Preschool Cloud Experiment by Reading Confetti – Use shaving cream, water, and food coloring for this rainy experiment.
Making Frost by Science Sparks – This one is great for kids who are fascinated by the frost on the grass on chilly mornings.
How to Make a Barometer by Classroom Ideas – Children use a few basic items to create their own barometer, a tool that measures atmospheric pressure.
Homemade Thermometer for Kids by What Do We Do All Day – Science activity using just a few simple items you probably already have in the house.
How to Make Lightning by Learn~Play~Imagine – Two ways for kids to get a hands-on lesson in how lightning works.
Snow and Water Science Experiment by Inspiration Laboratories – Kids get to see what makes snow melt as they perform this simple experiment. If there’s no snow available, ice cubes would be a good alternative.
Homemade Rain Gauge Experiment by Education.com – Make your own rain gauge with items from home. The kids can predict how much rain will accumulate, and they can track their findings to see how close their prediction was to real life.
Pine Cone Weather Station by Science Sparks – Did you know that pine cones can help predict the weather? Encourage the kids to set up this station and see how true that is.
How to Make a Cloud in a Jar by Gift of Curiosity – Two hands-on experiments for kids to create their own clouds.
Warm and Cold Front Model by Preschool Powol Packets – This experiment is especially perfect for visual learners. They can clearly see how warm and cold fronts act.
Observing Conduction by Learn~Play~Imagine – See what happens when the earth heats up, affecting the air above its surface.
Cloud Identification Tool by Full of Great Ideas – Print one of these out and go outside! Compare and contrast the different clouds you can find.
Solar Experiments for Kids by The Educators’ Spin On It – Ideas for learning more about how the sun works and how to use the sun for energy.
Don’t these ideas make you want to run outside and explore this amazing world of ours? Try to remember to grab the kids on your way outside – they’d like these activities too.
I hope you are having a fabulous week, friends. Thank you so very much for being here!
xo
Sarah
P.S. Don’t forget to check out Play into Kindergarten Readiness to simplify and bring the magic to your little one’s childhood!
Parenting Pod says
These all look like so much fun! Thank you for sharing these great weather activities.