Minnesota weather field trips make for great learning

May 5, 8:36 PMMinneapolis Homeschooling ExaminerChris Oldenburg

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A unit study on Minnesota weather might not shout "Field trip!" to you, but don’t be fooled into thinking it is all about studying the seasons. Nothing says spring like a rain gauge maze through the backyard. Splurge at a dollar store and buy them by the handful for the kids. I let them choose what they think are the perfect spots, and we compare locations and interesting recordings.

Minnesota spring would not be complete without wind to go with the rain. Have you ever seen a windmill farm up close and personal? Some wind farms will let you take a tour, and MPR has a great discussion piece on the history and evolution of these farms.

An unexpected gem for field trips relating to weather is the Minnesota History Center. Yes, the History Center takes on weather, too. They have a wonderful exhibit where you can even go inside a tornado simulator (either an absolute favorite or something to make the kids run in the other direction). Included in this exhibit hall are hands-on stations that help to bring to life the idea that weather has always played a role in our state’s history and it continues to impact our lives. There are also fun sections highlighting how Minnesotans have fun in the sun – or snow.

Wrap up your week with a trip to the local television station and meet with a meteorologist. The last time we did this, the kids were able to experiment with the green screen. They had a whole new appreciation for the ‘point and arm wave’ we typically see a weatherman perform. It was also good for the kids to see how much science these broadcasters need to know in order to perform their jobs at the highest levels.

Enjoy this season of spring and think outside the box when it comes to your field trips. Next on our list of spring visits is a nursery, or perhaps the MN Landscape Arboretum. They have special classes for homeschool families, and the theme for spring is the Japanese garden. All of those fun weather facts can be put to good use when understanding the needs of plants. I feel another unit study ahead!