⚡ Family Sparks Friday: Storm Chasers!
- Erica Benjamin
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
🌩️ Storm Chasers: What Can We Learn From a Summer Thunderstorm?
Have you noticed how hot and humid it has been lately? When warm, moist air rises into the sky, it can create clouds, thunderstorms, lightning, and rain!
This week's Tiny Sparks activity helps children become Weather Watchers by observing a storm and learning how weather changes around us.
Weather scientists, called meteorologists, study storms to help keep people safe. Just like scientists, you can make observations and collect data about the weather right from your own home!
🔍 Family Activity: Become a Weather Watcher
What You'll Need:
Paper
Crayons or markers
A window or covered porch
Your eyes and ears!
Step 1: Observe the Sky
Before the storm arrives, ask your child:
☁️ What color is the sky?
☁️ What kinds of clouds do you see?
☁️ Is the air warm, cool, or windy?
Draw a picture of what the sky looks like.
Step 2: Listen for Changes
As the weather changes, ask:
🌬️ Is the wind getting stronger?
🌧️ Do you hear rain?
⚡ Do you hear thunder?
Count how many times you hear thunder during five minutes.
Step 3: Create a Weather Report
Pretend you're a meteorologist!
Have your child give a weather report:
🎤 "Today I observed..."
🎤 "The sky looked..."
🎤 "I heard..."
🎤 "My prediction is..."
💡 Tiny Learning Moment
Explain to Kids:
Thunderstorms form when warm, moist air rises high into the sky and cools down. Water droplets gather together to form clouds. As the storm grows, electricity builds up inside the cloud, creating lightning and thunder.
Scientists study weather to help communities prepare for storms and stay safe.
🗣️ Family Conversation Starters
Ask your Tiny Scientist:
What was the most interesting thing you observed?
Why do you think clouds change shape?
What do you think causes thunder?
If you were a meteorologist, what weather would you study?
⭐ Tiny Sparks Challenge
Become a Weather Watcher all weekend!
Keep track of:
☀️ Sunny days
☁️ Cloudy days
🌧️ Rainy days
🌩️ Stormy days
Can you spot a pattern?
Want more ways to spark your child's curiosity about science?
We Are Scientists! is filled with hands-on STEM activities, real-world science connections, and fun family learning experiences designed for Tiny Scientists and their grown-ups.
🔬 Explore. Discover. Imagine.
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