Our kindergarten classroom recently had a Weather STEAM Day, and it was such an engaging, hands-on way to explore how weather works! Throughout the day, students rotated through a variety of science, technology, engineering, art, and math centers—all themed around weather. We started the day with a nonfiction read-aloud, Weather by National Geographic Kids, to build background knowledge and vocabulary about clouds, rain, wind, and storms. Then the real fun began!
☁️ Science Centers
We had two science experiments that we did.
- Cloud in a Jar
We had fun creating our own mini clouds. This experiment uses a jar with a lid, hot water, ice, and either hairspray or a lit match. Start by placing the ice cubes in the upside-down lid. Then, fill the jar about a 1/3 of the way with very hot tap water. Move the water around to warm up the inside of the jar. ***If doing the match method, light a match and hold it in the jar for a couple of seconds. You can drop it into the jar or pull it out. ***If doing the aerosol method, spray a little bit of the hairspray in the jar. Regardless of the method, the goal is to get the lid on as quickly as possible without the smoke or vapor escaping. You do not need to close the lid. Just set it on top, so the smoke/vapor does not escape. It will take a minute or two for the cloud to form inside of the jar. If a cloud does not form, make sure the water is hot enough and does not cool off and the smoke/vapor does not escape. Once you have a “cloud,” take the lid off and observe the cloud as it leaves the jar. This simple but exciting experiment helped the students visualize how clouds form when warm air rises and cools, causing condensation to appear. - Make It Rain in a Jar
This is one of our favorite experiments and the kids loved it too! We gave each student a clear cup filled 3/4 of the way with water. We then added a layer of shaving cream (as the cloud) to the top of the water. Using a pipette, the students slowly added “rain” droplets (blue-colored water made with food coloring) until the colored water began to fall through the shaving cream—just like rain falling from a cloud. This visual model was a hit!
💻 Technology Center
At the technology station, students practiced decoding with a weather-themed CVC Boom Card game. They sounded out the CVC words and clicked on the word that matched the picture in the umbrella. These cards are self-checking, so the students got immediate feedback and were super engaged!
🌬️ Engineering Center
For the engineering challenge, students built their very own weathervane to show the direction of the wind! Using a small paper cup, straw, straight pin, and paper flag cutout (see the above photo for details on how to construct the weathervane), they learned how wind direction can be measured. Once assembled, they took their weathervanes outside to see which way the wind was blowing—a perfect combination of science and problem-solving!
🎨 Art Center
In the art center, creativity was flowing! Students could direct draw, color, or cut out an umbrella, then add raindrops using either cut paper shapes, hand-draw raindrops, or dots of white glue. To integrate math, each student completed an addition story problem at the bottom of their paper, showing how many raindrops they had altogether. This cross-curricular art activity reinforced addition skills while completing a fun art activity.
➕ Math Center
Our math center featured raindrop addition clip cards. Students used clothespins to mark the correct answer for each card, strengthening their number sense and fine motor skills. There is also a recording sheet for students to write down each equation.
🌩️ Bonus Activity: Thundercake!
We ended our Weather STEAM Day by reading Thundercake by Patricia Polacco and baking Thundercake (cupcakes) together! Students helped measure ingredients, mix, and observe how the cake transformed in the oven—combining science, literacy, and a delicious treat to wrap up our weather-filled day. You can find the recipe for Thundercake at the back of the book. Students always get a kick out of the secret ingredient that is added!
☀️ Wrap-Up
Weather STEAM Day was the perfect blend of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. From clouds and rain to wind and storms, students experienced weather concepts through hands-on learning across every STEAM domain. It’s a day we’ll definitely repeat each year! Click HERE or on the image above to check out all of our weather centers!
BONUS FREEBIE: Click HERE or on the image to download a FREE weather-themed CVC Mystery Picture Puzzle. This activity is a HUGE hit in our classroom!
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