Weather Science Projects for Elementary Kids

By James Rodriguez · October 12, 2026

Weather: Science You Can See Every Day

Weather is the most accessible science topic for children. They experience it daily, can observe changes in real-time, and can collect data without expensive equipment. These projects build observation skills and scientific thinking.

DIY Weather Instruments

Rain Gauge

Cut the top off a clear plastic bottle. Invert the top into the bottom to create a funnel. Mark measurements on the side with a permanent marker. Place outside and record daily rainfall in a weather journal.

Wind Vane

Cut an arrow shape from cardboard. Pin it to a pencil eraser with a pushpin (loose enough to spin). Attach a compass rose (N, S, E, W) to the base. Watch which direction the wind blows.

Barometer (Air Pressure)

Stretch a balloon over the top of a jar. Tape a straw to the balloon as a pointer. When air pressure drops, the balloon dips and the straw points down (stormy weather coming). When pressure rises, it points up (clear weather).

Cloud Identification Chart

Create a poster with the main cloud types:

Cumulus: Fluffy, cotton-ball clouds — fair weather
Stratus: Flat, gray blanket clouds — overcast days
Cirrus: Thin, wispy high clouds — fair but changing
Nimbus: Dark, heavy clouds — rain is coming

Weather Journal Project

Track daily weather for a month: temperature, cloud type, wind direction, precipitation. Graph the data at month's end. Look for patterns: Do rainy days cluster? Does temperature follow a trend?