Exploring weather | National Library of Australia (NLA)

Exploring weather

Learning activities

Activity 1: Brrrr! – Science in Antarctica

Have students explore how scientists currently work in Antarctica. They should investigate:

  • modern techniques used to measure blizzards
  • the lowest recorded temperatures at the North and South poles
  • why halos form from ice crystals, including circles around the sun or moon and parhelia (also known as sundogs), and why some halos are unique to Antarctica
  • the difference between katabatic and anabatic winds

Activity 2: Blown away – Understanding wind

Discuss how wind is created and ways to measure it, using Australia’s Wild Weird Wonderful Weather pages 28 to 29 if available.

Have students:

  • make a windsock or windvane to use in the schoolyard to observe wind direction
  • research the Beaufort Scale and what each level represents
  • create a poster featuring drawings and diagrams illustrating each level on the Beaufort Scale
Page published: 01 Jul 2025

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