Build a weather center

This simple weather center not only holds devices to monitor wind speed, temperature, and barometric pressure, it also helps children understand the subtle passage of time. Its raised beds are shaped into hourly segments, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., around a tall pole; the pole's shadow acts as the "gnomon," or pointer, to indicate the time of day.

Specialty equipment listed is available at Wind & Weather (or 800/922-9463); thermometers are available at hardware stores.