On Dec 13, 12:38*pm, "Ken Cook" wrote:
"Scott W" *wrote in message

...

Oh God! I've really done it now - the head of my daughters' primary
school wants me to go and talk to year 6 children about their weather
project - on the strength of my interest in the subject and that
parents keep asking about my weather station that recently went live
on the net. I've a few props - such as thermometers, rain gauge, an
old Oregon AWS, an old Meteosat Met Office image and rainfall of
England and Wales Met Office map.

I haven't agreed yet and am unsure if I have the authority to talk
about the subject - though I think they are looking for an amateur to
try and portray what sparked his interest in the subject - and
hopefully get kids interested too. Anyone on here done something
similar - tips gratefully received.



As a retired primary school head teacher I am probably not the best one to
advise. It takes a long time to learn all the tricks of the trade! Some
people are natural primary school teachers, others have to work at it, some
haven't a clue. It's not about qualifications, it's about understanding
children and being in charge.
At that age, give them practical things to do and don't talk for too long -
they only take in about 10 minutes information / hour if you're lucky.
If you think weather forecasting is difficult ......
I expect the class teacher will stay in the room, if so has he/she got good
discipline? If so, it's a doddle, if not they will have you both for
breakfast!
Don't smile too much until you've got them eating out of your hand, then

What age is age 6?

If they are ten years old, treat them as adults. If they are 6 years
old they can only take in stuff that is almost pure immediacy. Don't
be condescending to either. And like the man said, don't smile if you
don't mean it.

Stuff like paper darts and balloons with go down well with both but
for different reasons.

Can you heat a balloon up in a class to demonstrate gas pressure laws.
Older kids might be able to relate to kites, though I haven't seen a
child playing with one in decades.

You can't really take any of your weather kit in can you?
But you can demonstrate how perception of hot and cold varies with the
situation by inviting them to dip their hands in warm and cool water.
Or cool and cold water?

Then you just let them lead you, children are learning machines. One
of the first things they learn in school is how to switch off:

they only take in about 10 minutes information / hour if you're lucky.

That isn't true if they are interested.
What interests you about the weather?
What got you started or interested?
That is what may also interest some of them if you can remember that
far back.

Now I am off to see if I can make an hot air balloon out of a condom.