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. Under each heading is a list of supporting articles and other resources from Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao.
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.
The article Literacy through science has suggestions on how to integrate science with literacy to enhance learning in both areas.
Weather in general and forecasting
Connected and School Journal resources
Sun, wind, or rain? by Matt Vance, Connected Level 2, 2016.
What makes the weather by Eric Brenstrum, Connected Level 3, 2012.
Keeping an eye on the weather by Bronwen Wall, Connected Number 3, 2012.
Signs of change by Ross Callum Connected Level 3, 2012.
Ben Hawke, Mosgiel's Meteorologist by Claire Finlayson, School Journal Level 4, June 2018.
Supporting resources
Sun, wind, or rain? – Connected journal article
What makes the weather – Connected journal article
Planet Earth and Beyond – Weather – article listing Science Learning Hub resources 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
Connected and School Journal resources
New Zealand’s weather by Eric Brenstrum, Connected Level 3, 2012
Severe weather by Sarah Wilcox, School Journal Story Library Number 1, 2012
Building for the future by Adrienne Jansen, Connected Level 3, 2017
Supporting resources
These resources explain the causes and some of the terminology associated with heavy rainfall events.
Watching the Weather – Connected journal article
Building for the future – Connected journal article
Cyclones, typhoons and hurricanes – article
Extreme weather – article
2012 Connected Level 3: Watching the Weather
The cover of the 2012 Level 3 Connected journal, Watching the Weather published by the Ministry of Education, New Zealand.
Cover photograph © Tupungato/Shutterstock.
Water cycle
The water cycle, Connected Number 2, 2002
What makes the weather? by Eric Brenstrum, Connected Level 3, 2012
Making puddles by Sue Averill and Room 7, Connected Number 1, 2000
Supporting resources
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
Keeping houses warm or cool by Katharine Derrick, Connected Number 1, 2010.
Supporting resources
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 by Ian Stevens, Connected Level 3, 2013
Supporting resources
You can count on it – Connected journal article
Data and how we use it – article
Data – key terms – article
These hands-on activities support students in collecting data about weather:
Connected article: You can count on it
An article in the 2013 Level 3 Connected journal, ‘Food for thought’ published by the Ministry of Education, New Zealand.
Photo of Fa΄aea and her mother by Adrian Heke.
Related content
For literacy links to climate change see the article, Climate change literacy learning links.
Check out our entire range of Connected articles here. We’ve curated them by topic and concepts.
Connected articles are ideal for cross-curricular literacy learning. With thoughtful planning, educators can integrate science with literacy to enhance learning in both areas – the article Literacy through science provides helpful information on how to achieve this.
Our Literacy through science topic curates lots of activities, articles and other resources to boost science and literacy. You can filter for early years, primary and secondary resources.
Literacy and science PLD
There are multiple connections between science learning and literacy learning. The following webinars identify strategies to deliberately incorporate literacy learning in both areas.
Useful links
Connected uses contextual issues to promote scientific, technological and mathematical literacy, search. Got to 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.
