In this lesson, we will explore how weather is measured and the instruments used for this purpose. We’ll discuss the Stevenson Screen, various weather instruments, and how to interpret weather data over a week. Let’s break this down step by step!

Measuring Weather Instruments

To measure different elements of the weather, specific instruments are used. Below is a simple table to help you understand which instrument measures what, and the units used for measurement.

| Weather Element | Instrument Used | Unit of Measurement |

|——————-|——————|————————–|

| Temperature | Thermometer | Degrees Celsius (°C) |

| Rainfall | Rain Gauge | Millimetres (mm) |

| Wind Speed | Anemometer | Miles per hour (mph) |

| Air Pressure | Barometer | Millibars (mb) |

| Humidity | Hygrometer | Percentage (%) |

| Sunshine | Sunshine Recorder | Hours |

1. What is a Stevenson Screen?

A Stevenson Screen is a wooden box that protects weather instruments from direct sunlight and rain. It helps keep the instruments in a controlled environment for accurate readings. It is usually painted white to reflect sunlight and keep it cool inside.

2. What weather instruments are kept in it?

Inside a Stevenson Screen, you typically find a thermometer, a hygrometer, and sometimes a barometer. These instruments measure temperature, humidity, and air pressure, respectively. Keeping these instruments in a Stevenson Screen helps them give accurate readings.

3. Why is this necessary?

It is necessary to protect weather instruments from the elements to ensure accurate measurements. Direct sunlight, rain, or wind can affect the readings and lead to incorrect data. The Stevenson Screen provides a stable environment for these measurements.

4. Why does the screen have louvred sides that are painted white?

The louvred sides allow air to circulate freely inside the screen, preventing heat build-up. This helps maintain accurate temperature readings by ensuring that the thermometer is not affected by direct sunlight. The white paint reflects sunlight, keeping the interior cooler.

Analyzing Weather Data

Let’s put our knowledge to the test by analyzing some weather data. Look carefully at the weather instruments and graphs showing weather data for a week.

Questions on Weather Data

  1. During the week, which was the wettest day?
  2. How many hours of sunshine were recorded?
  3. What was the warmest day?
  4. What was the minimum temperature?
  5. On the wind rose diagram, from which direction did the wind blow most often?
  6. Describe the changes in air pressure throughout the week.

Questions on Weather Station Sites

  1. Study the map showing three possible sites (A, B, C) for a school weather station.
  2. Site B was chosen. Was this a good choice? Give two reasons for your answer.

Keeping Your Own Weather Record

  1. Keep your own record of the weather for a week.
  2. Collect the data at the same time each day. What did you notice about the weather patterns?

Questions for Practice

Easy Level (20 Questions)

  1. What is a thermometer used for?
  2. What unit does a rain gauge measure in?
  3. How does a wind speed instrument work?
  4. Why do we need to measure humidity?
  5. What is a barometer used for?
  6. How can we measure sunshine?
  7. What is the unit of measurement for temperature?
  8. Why is it important to have accurate weather measurements?
  9. What colour is a Stevenson Screen usually painted?
  10. Why is air circulation important in a Stevenson Screen?
  11. What does a hygrometer measure?
  12. Which instrument would you use to measure rainfall?
  13. How does a rain gauge work?
  14. What does an anemometer measure?
  15. What is the purpose of a sunshine recorder?
  16. Why is it necessary to record weather data?
  17. How do we measure wind direction?
  18. What happens if a thermometer is placed in direct sunlight?
  19. Why is the Stevenson Screen raised off the ground?
  20. What is the importance of weather stations in schools?

Medium Level (20 Questions)

  1. Explain how to use a rain gauge to measure rainfall.
  2. What factors can affect the accuracy of a thermometer?
  3. Describe how humidity can affect the weather.
  4. What do we learn from a wind rose diagram?
  5. How does air pressure change with weather conditions?
  6. Why do different instruments use different units of measurement?
  7. How often should we collect weather data for accuracy?
  8. What is the role of a weather station?
  9. How can weather data help us prepare for storms?
  10. What instruments would you find in a school weather station?
  11. How can we use weather data to predict the weather?
  12. What are some challenges faced by weather stations?
  13. Why is it important to compare weather data over a week?
  14. Describe the process of measuring temperature with a thermometer.
  15. How do you think climate change affects weather patterns?
  16. What are the benefits of studying weather in school?
  17. How does the wind affect temperature?
  18. Why might a school choose a specific site for a weather station?
  19. What is the significance of recording sunshine hours?
  20. How can we improve the accuracy of our weather measurements?

Hard Level (20 Questions)

  1. Discuss the limitations of using a rain gauge.
  2. How does the design of a Stevenson Screen affect its performance?
  3. Explain the relationship between air pressure and weather changes.
  4. What methods can be employed to ensure the reliability of weather data?
  5. Compare and contrast the different types of thermometers used in weather stations.
  6. How can urban areas affect local weather patterns?
  7. Analyze the impact of human activity on weather measurement accuracy.
  8. Discuss the importance of long-term weather data collection.
  9. How do meteorologists use weather instruments to predict severe weather?
  10. Evaluate the effectiveness of different weather stations in various locations.
  11. How do satellite technologies complement ground-based weather stations?
  12. Investigate how global warming could change our understanding of weather.
  13. Discuss the role of technology in modern weather forecasting.
  14. How can weather data help in environmental conservation efforts?
  15. What are the implications of inaccurate weather data?
  16. How does the geography of a location influence its weather?
  17. How do different climates require different weather instruments?
  18. Analyze how wind patterns are studied and their significance in weather prediction.
  19. Discuss how different seasons affect weather measurements.
  20. Evaluate the role of citizen scientists in weather data collection.

Answers and Explanations

Questions on Weather Data

  1. Wettest Day: The wettest day is determined by checking which day recorded the highest amount of rainfall in millimeters.
  2. Hours of Sunshine Recorded: Count the total hours listed on the sunshine recorder throughout the week.
  3. Warmest Day: The warmest day is found by identifying the highest temperature recorded in degrees Celsius.
  4. Minimum Temperature: The minimum temperature is the lowest temperature recorded during the week in degrees Celsius.
  5. Wind Direction: The wind rose diagram shows the direction from which the wind blew most often, typically indicated by arrows pointing in the direction of wind flow.
  6. Air Pressure Changes: Describe whether the air pressure increased, decreased, or remained steady throughout the week, noting any correlations with weather changes.

Questions on Weather Station Sites

  1. Weather Station Sites: Assess the suitability of Site B based on factors like location, accessibility, and exposure to weather conditions.
  2. Good Choice Reasons: Site B may be a good choice if it is open to the elements for accurate readings and away from obstructions like buildings or trees.

Personal Weather Record

  1. Keeping a Weather Record: To keep a record, write down the weather conditions (sunny, rainy, cloudy) and measurements each day.
  2. Noticing Patterns: Reflect on any patterns or changes you observe in the weather over the week.

This structured lesson should help you understand the basics of weather measurement and encourage you to engage with the data. Good luck with your weather records!