Experiences and Reflections of Elementary School Students on Daily Weather using Ambient Low-cost Weather Stations Installed in Home Backyard

This project integrates climate awareness and education into the daily lives of elementary school students by combining learning with hands-on fun. As a pilot initiative, we installed two low-cost ambient weather stations, capable of monitoring both meteorological conditions and indoor/outdoor air quality, in the backyards of young students. The students observed the daily weather changes and recorded their experiences through handwritten notes, drawings, and pictures. This informal approach to climate education fostered a growing awareness of weather patterns in the students, helping them connect their observations with the broader environment. The project has not only sparked curiosity about climate and environmental issues but also encouraged students to share their experiences with peers. A kid-friendly visualization system is also being developed, featuring live data displays and story maps of the students' experiences for outreach activities. Looking ahead, the project team aims to scale this initiative, involving more K-12 students and further enhancing STEM education in the process.