Weather Forecasting

Science · Weather & Climate · ages 7-9

Name ______________________ Date ____________

Which of these is a tool meteorologists use to study weather?
- Stethoscope
- Paintbrush
- Satellite
What is a meteorologist?
- A scientist who studies rocks
- A scientist who studies and predicts weather
- A person who flies airplanes
Radar can help meteorologists see where rain and storms are.
Circle one: True False
Why is it helpful to know the weather forecast before you plan a picnic?
- It tells you what food to bring
- It tells you if rain is coming
- It tells you who will come to the picnic
Why do meteorologists send weather balloons high into the sky?
- To measure the air high above the ground
- To take pictures of the moon
- To test if the balloon can float
Weather forecasts help people prepare for dangerous storms before they arrive.
Circle one: True False
Toshi hears a forecast for heavy snow tomorrow morning. What is the best reason for him to check it before school?
- So his family can plan ahead
- So he can find out what his friends are eating for lunch
- So he can pick which color socks to wear
A meteorologist is tracking a storm but skips checking the satellite pictures. What might happen?
- The forecast will always be perfect anyway
- Storms cannot be tracked with satellites at all
- The forecast could be less accurate because satellite data was missed

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Satellite · Satellites take pictures of clouds from way up in space, which helps meteorologists see storms coming.
A scientist who studies and predicts weather · A meteorologist studies clouds, wind, and temperature to figure out what the weather will do next.
True · Radar sends out signals that bounce off rain and clouds, showing where storms are moving.
It tells you if rain is coming · Knowing whether it will rain or shine helps you decide when and where to have your picnic.
To measure the air high above the ground · Weather balloons carry instruments up high to measure things like temperature and wind far above the ground.
True · A forecast warning gives people time to get ready, like bringing in outdoor toys or planning a safe place to go.
So his family can plan ahead · Forecasts help families plan ahead and stay safe when weather could make travel harder.
The forecast could be less accurate because satellite data was missed · Meteorologists use many tools together. Skipping one, like satellite pictures, means missing clues about the storm.