April showers, thunder, and other weather events can seem mysterious and scary to children. PBS KIDS' Weather Hunters demystifies thunderstorms, wind, clouds, and more in these five fantastic PBS LearningMedia resources for early childhood educators.
Weather Hunters is an animated series from PBS KIDS for children ages 4-8 created by Emmy-winning weatherman and Today show host Al Roker. The show is about inspiring a new generation to explore the incredible world of weather and investigate its role in their lives.
1. Dark and Stormy Night: Lightning and Thunder
(Available in English and Spanish)
The Hunter family learn about thunder and lightning and predicts how far away a thunderstorm is.
This resource asks students to watch a clip from Weather Hunters' "A Dark and Stormy Night," and explore thunderstorms. Use the activity guide, mini-lessons, and printables to engage students in conversations as they identify how light and sound travel differently through the air.
2. The Cloudy Day: What Clouds Are Made Of
(Available in English and Spanish)
Benny, Lily, and Al investigate what clouds are made of and explore the difference between a cumulus cloud and a cumulonimbus cloud.
Have students watch the Weather Hunters clip “The Cloudy Day” to spark their curiosity about clouds. Then use the activity, mini-lesson, and print-outs to encourage students to observe and identify different clouds outside.
3. The Windy Day: Understanding Wind
(Available in English and Spanish)
Lily, Corky, and Benny learn about the wind, how to measure it, and the impact it has on people and their community.
Watch the Weather Hunters clip “The Windy Day” to spark your students’ interest in wind. Then use the activity, mini-lesson, and print-outs to engage in conversations about the wind and how it moves.
4. Foggy Trick or Treat: How Fog Forms
(Available in English and Spanish)
While trick-or-treating, Corky and Lily notice fog rolling in. Using her weather kit, Lily observes and measures the changes in their environment.
Watch the Weather Hunters clip “Foggy Trick or Treat” with your students to discover how fog is formed. Use the activity, mini-lesson, and print-outs to deepen their knowledge about the topic.
5. Puddle Problem: How the Sun Causes Evaporation
(Available in English and Spanish)
After a storm, Lily and Benny go outside to play but become curious when they notice there are large puddles getting in the way.
Watch the Weather Hunters clip “Puddle Problem” to spark your students’ interest in puddles. Use the activity, mini-lesson, and print-outs to discover how the heat from the sun causes puddles to evaporate.
Looking for Weather Hunters resources? Click here.
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