Sky Spy Worksheet Sky Spy Worksheet
Weather Instrument Investigation
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Video Tool Match
As we watch the video, draw a line connecting the Weather Instrument to the Atmospheric Condition it measures.
Thermometer
Anemometer
Wind Vane
Rain Gauge
Barometer
Precipitation (Rain/Snow)
Wind Direction
Air Temperature
Air Pressure
Wind Speed
Part 2: Weather Wisdom
1. According to the video, weather happens in the lowest layer of the atmosphere. What is one thing weather includes?
2. Why does a farmer need to measure the weather? (Circle the best answer)
To know when to plant crops
To see if they need a haircut
To name their tractor
To count their sheep
3. What is the name of a scientist who studies and predicts weather?
Sky Spy Slides Weather Watchers
Tools of the Atmosphere
Warm Up: What do they measure?
Thermometer
Ruler
Scale
"Weather has special rulers, too! Let's find out what they are."
Viewing: Understanding Weather
Watch 3:24 – 4:17
Embedded media
!
Get your Sky Spy Worksheet ready!
Meet the Weather Lab Tools
Thermometer
Measures temperature (how hot or cold the air is).
Anemometer
Measures wind speed (how fast the air is moving).
Wind Vane
Shows the direction the wind is coming from.
Rain Gauge
Collects and measures the amount of precipitation.
Station Rotation
1
Rotate to your assigned station with your team.
2
Read the Scenario Cards carefully.
3
Decide which tool is needed and record your answer.
Time per Station
5:00
Minutes
Rapid-Fire Quiz
Shout out the tool name when you see it!
"Storm Coming!"
"Windy Day!"
Extension: Build a Rain Gauge
You will need:
Clear plastic bottle
Ruler & Marker
Small stones (for weight)
Scissors
"Cut the top off the bottle, invert it to create a funnel, and mark your scale. Place it outside and wait for the rain!"
Weather Scenario Cards Weather Lab: Scenario Cards
Cut these cards out and place them at the designated weather stations.
Station 1
The Sledding Trip
A family is planning a trip to the mountains to go sledding. They need to know if it's cold enough for the snow to stay frozen on the ground.
Discussion Question:
Which tool should they check before they pack their heavy coats?
Station 2
Pilot's Flight Plan
A pilot is preparing to take off from a small airport. If the wind is blowing too fast, it might be dangerous to fly.
Discussion Question:
What tool tracks the speed of the air to help the pilot fly safely?
Station 3
The Thirsty Garden
A gardener wants to know if they need to water their plants. It rained yesterday, but they aren't sure if enough water fell to soak into the soil.
Discussion Question:
What tool could they look at to see exactly how much rain fell yesterday?
Station 4
The Sailboat Race
A sailor is competing in a race on the lake. To move as fast as possible, they need to know which way the wind is blowing so they can adjust their sails.
Discussion Question:
Which tool shows the direction that the wind is coming from?
Note: Each card provides a real-world scenario where a specific weather tool is essential for decision-making.
Station Mission Guide Station Mission Guide
Record Your Weather Station Findings
Team Name:
Date:
Instructions: Visit each station. Read the scenario card and identify which weather instrument is being used. Then, explain why that tool is the best choice for the situation.
Station 1: The Sledding Trip
Target Instrument:
Why use this tool?
Station 2: Pilot's Flight Plan
Target Instrument:
Why use this tool?
Station 3: The Thirsty Garden
Target Instrument:
Why use this tool?
Station 4: The Sailboat Race
Target Instrument:
Why use this tool?
Final Mission Check:
If you were a meteorologist, which tool would you find the most useful for your daily forecast? Why?
Weather Lab Teacher Guide Teacher Mission Brief
Lesson: Weather Watchers (Grade 4)
45-50 MINS
Learning Objective
Students will accurately match weather instruments (thermometer, anemometer, rain gauge, wind vane, barometer) to the specific atmospheric conditions they measure.
Materials Needed
Sky Spy Slides & Worksheet
Station Mission Guide
Weather Scenario Cards
Stopwatch/Timer
Extension: Plastic bottles, rulers
Instructional Sequence
05
Warm-Up: The Weather Rulers
Use Slide 2 to discuss thermometers, rulers, and scales. Ask: "If a ruler measures length, what measures the air?" Transition to the idea that meteorologists use "special rulers."
10
Viewing: Sky Spy Video Analysis
Play the video segment (3:24-4:17) using Slide 3 . Students must complete Part 1 of the Sky Spy Worksheet during the viewing. Pause at each tool to allow for recording time.
25
Activity: Station Rotation
Set up 4 stations around the room with the Scenario Cards . Divide students into small teams. Teams rotate every 5 minutes, discussing the scenarios and recording their choices in the Station Mission Guide .
05
Closure: Rapid-Fire Quiz
Use Slide 6 . Provide prompts (e.g., "A storm is coming! Which tool shows us air pressure is falling?") and have students shout the instrument name.
Mission Answer Keys
Sky Spy Worksheet Match:
Thermometer → Air Temperature
Anemometer → Wind Speed
Wind Vane → Wind Direction
Rain Gauge → Precipitation
Barometer → Air Pressure
Station Rotation Answers:
Station 1: Thermometer (Temperature for ice/snow)
Station 2: Anemometer (Safe wind speeds for flight)
Station 3: Rain Gauge (Amount of rainfall)
Station 4: Wind Vane (Direction for sailing)
Support & Extension
Scaffolding:
Provide students with "Tool Cards" that have icons and names during the station rotation to help with spelling and identification.
Extension Activity:
Use the DIY Rain Gauge guide on Slide 7 . Have students set up a class gauge and track precipitation for one week, graphing the results.
