Grade 4 Science And Technology Earth and Space – weather and sky Notes

What is weather?

Weather is how the air feels each day — for example: hot or cold, sunny or cloudy, windy or rainy. In Swahili, weather is called hali ya hewa.

What is the sky?

The sky (Swahili: anga) is the space above us where we see the sun, moon, stars and clouds.

Main parts of weather

• Sun (Jua): Gives heat and light. Makes days warm.
• Clouds (Wingu): Made of tiny water drops or ice. Different clouds mean different weather.
• Rain (Mvua): Water that falls from clouds to the ground.
• Wind (Upepo): Moving air. Wind can be strong or gentle.
• Temperature: How hot or cold the air is.

Cloud types you can see

Why is the sky blue? (Simple)

Sunlight mixes many colours. Tiny air particles scatter blue light more than red. That is why the sky looks blue during the day.

Why does it rain?

Water from oceans, lakes and rivers rises as warm air and becomes tiny drops in clouds. When drops join and grow heavy, they fall as rain.

Kenya: quick weather facts

• Kenya lies near the Equator, so many parts are warm all year.
• There are two rainy seasons: the "long rains" (March–May) and the "short rains" (October–December).
• Higher places like Mount Kenya and parts of Rift Valley are cooler than the coast.
• The Kenya Meteorological Department shares weather forecasts for farmers and schools.

Fun activity — Make a simple rain gauge

1. Find a clear plastic bottle. Cut the top off.
2. Place the top upside down inside the bottle like a funnel. Tape if needed.
3. Mark centimetres on the side with a marker.
4. Put the bottle outside on the ground where it is open to the sky.
5. After rain, read how many centimetres collected — that is how much rain fell.

Simple safety rules

• Never look directly at the sun — it can hurt your eyes.
• During heavy storms stay indoors and away from windows.
• If you hear thunder, go inside — lightning is dangerous.

Quick quiz (try answering)

1. What is the Swahili word for "rain"?
2. Name one type of cloud you can see on a sunny day.
3. When are Kenya's "long rains"?