Weather – literacy learning links
This teacher resource lists selected articles from the Connected and School Journal reading series that support science concepts when teaching about the weather.
Precipitation
All forms of water that fall from the air to the Earth's surface are called precipitation. Whether it is snow, rain, sleet or hail depends on the temperature of the air that the water falls through.
Connected and School Journal resources are produced for New Zealand primary and intermediate schools by the Ministry of Education. They are available to New Zealand schools in print and digital form (use the search function in the Literacy (inc. Instructional Series) section of the Tāhūrangi website.
Connected and School Journal titles and synopses for the topic weather
Science Learning Hub resources supported by the titles
Weather in general and forecasting
Sun, wind, or rain? Connected Level 2, 2016
What makes the weather Connected Level 3, 2012
Keeping an eye on the weather Connected Number 3, 2012
Signs of change Connected Level 3, 2012
Ben Hawke, Mosgiel's Meteorologist, School Journal Level 4, June 2018
Planet Earth and Beyond – Weather – article listing Science Learning Hub links to help teach about weather.
Weather forecasting – article
Measuring the weather – a timeline – interactive timeline
Weather – video about weather satellites
How Deep is Your Snow? – online citizen science project
Cyclones and hurricanes
New Zealand’s weather Connected Level 3, 2012
Severe weather School Journal Story Library Number 1, 2012
Nightmare on Anchorage Island School Journal Part 4 Number 1, 1999
Building for the future Connected Level 3, 2017
These resources explain the causes and some of the terminology associated with heavy rainfall events.
Cyclones, typhoons and hurricanes – article
Extreme weather – article
Water cycle
The water cycle Connected Number 2, 2002
What makes the weather? Connected Level 3, 2012
Making puddles Connected Number 1, 2000
The shape School Journal Part 1 Number 4, 1995
Mist Connected Number 2, 1999
The range of resources we have in H₂O on the go, the water cycle – introduction follows water’s journey through the hydrological cycle. Water, in all its forms, is continually exchanged between the Earth’s atmosphere, biosphere and geosphere.
Water and weather – article
Global water cycle – interactive
Observing clouds and weather – article
The following activities use models to aid students with their understanding of aspects of weather and the water cycle. They are suitable for mid and upper primary levels.
Lightning, rain and more
Rain, rain Ready to Read, by Joy Cowley, 1983
Lightning explained – article
Viewing and monitoring lightning – activity
Precipitation and cloud formation – activity
Protection from the weather
Keeping houses warm or cool Connected Number 1, 2010
Science and technology play a part in protecting us from the weather – whether we are inside or outside.
Insulation – article
Staying warm in Antarctica – video
Damp homes and health risks – article
Data collection
You can count on it Connected Level 3, 2013
These hands-on activities support students in collecting data about weather.
Making a weather vane and compass
Related content
For literacy links to climate change see the article, Climate change literacy learning links.
Useful links
Connected uses contextual issues to promote scientific, technological and mathematical literacy, search. Got to the the Literacy (inc. Instructional Series) section of the Tāhūrangi website and search by title or "Connected".
School Journal supports students in years 4–8 to meet the reading demands of all New Zealand curriculum areas.
The Connected and School Journal teacher support materials are accessed through the Journal Surf website. A subscription login is required.
The Connected journals can be ordered from the Down the Back of the Chair website. Access to these resources is restricted to Ministry-approved education providers. To find out if you are eligible for a login or if you have forgotten your login details, contact their customer services team on 0800 660 662 or email orders@thechair.education.govt.nz.
