1

Become a Meteorologist for a Day!

How do forecasters predict the weather?

Project page

SEE MONSTER

Ages

11-12 12-13 13-14

Topic

Sustainability and our future Wellbeing and resilience

Format

Lesson plan

Duration

20–60 minutes

This hands-on activity introduces pupils aged 11–14 to the technology behind the weather forecast, and invites them to create and present their own forecast for the days and weeks ahead.

Pupils will discover how satellites monitor the oceans, the climate and the atmosphere, and how meteorologists use satellite data to forecast the weather and predict major events such as storms and hurricanes. With reference to the BBC weather and EO Browser websites, show how satellite data and images feed into the forecasts we see at home. Pupils can then create and present their own weather forecast in class, and/or keep their own weather diary for the next seven days.

The activity is inspired by SEE MONSTER, a major public art installation designed to encourage conversations about our sustainable future. An alternative version of the activity is available for pupils aged 7–11 – you can access the guide here.

Activity guide

Curriculum links

England:

Geography

Key Stage: KS3

Northern Ireland:

Geography

Key Stage: KS3

Scotland:

Geography

Level: Third/Fourth Level

Wales:

Science - Matter

Progression Step: PS4