1

Become a Meteorologist for a Day!

How do forecasters predict the weather?

Project page

SEE MONSTER

Ages

7-8 8-9 9-10 10-11

Topic

Sustainability and our future Wellbeing and resilience

Format

Lesson plan

Duration

20 minutes

This hands-on activity introduces pupils aged 7–11 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 website, 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 11–14 – you can access the guide here.

Activity guide

Curriculum links

England:

Geography: Interpret a range of sources of geographical information

Science: Gathering and recording data

Key Stage: KS2

Northern Ireland:

Geography: Weather in the local area compared to places that experience very different weather

Key Stage: KS2

Scotland:

Geography: By comparing my local area with a contrasting area out with Britain, I can investigate the main features of weather and climate, discussing the impact on living things.

Explore and evaluate different types of sources and evidence

Level: First Level, Second Level

Wales:

Humanities

Enquiry, exploration and investigation

Our natural world is diverse and dynamic

Informed, self-aware citizens

Progression Step: PS2, PS3