This teacher resource lists selected articles from the Connected and School Journal reading series that support science concepts when teaching about the weather.
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.
| Connected and School Journal titles and synopses for the topic weather | Science Learning Hub resources supported by the titles |
| Weather in general and forecasting Sun, wind, or rain? Connected Level 2, 2016 What makes the weather Connected Level 3, 2012 Keeping an eye on the weather Connected Number 3, 2012 Signs of change Connected Level 3, 2012 Ben Hawke, Mosgiel's Meteorologist, School Journal Level 4, June 2018 | Planet Earth and Beyond – Weather – article listing Science Learning Hub links 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 New Zealand’s weather Connected Level 3, 2012 Severe weather School Journal Story Library Number 1, 2012 Nightmare on Anchorage Island School Journal Part 4 Number 1, 1999 Building for the future Connected Level 3, 2017 | These resources explain the causes and some of the terminology associated with heavy rainfall events. Cyclones, typhoons and hurricanes – article Extreme weather – article |
| Water cycle The water cycle Connected Number 2, 2002 What makes the weather? Connected Level 3, 2012 Making puddles Connected Number 1, 2000 The shape School Journal Part 1 Number 4, 1995 Mist Connected Number 2, 1999 | 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 Rain, rain Ready to Read, by Joy Cowley, 1983 | Lightning explained – article Viewing and monitoring lightning – activity Precipitation and cloud formation – activity |
| Protection from the weather Keeping houses warm or cool Connected Number 1, 2010 | 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 Connected Level 3, 2013 | These hands-on activities support students in collecting data about weather. |
Related content
For literacy links to climate change see the article, Climate change literacy learning links.
Useful links
Connected uses contextual issues to promote scientific, technological and mathematical literacy, search. Got to the 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.
