Young Anna Mani asks questions and explores the skies with curiosity
Anna's Extraordinary Experiments with Weather
Anna's Extraordinary Experiments with Weather
Average Rating: 3.0
Country: India
Author: Nandita Jayaraj
Illustrator: Priya Kuriyan
Ages: 5-8
Publisher: Pratham Books
Story Source: StoryWeaver

About The Story

Anna Mani was not your average eight-year-old. At their birthday parties, whilst other children wanted toys, she asked for books. She was curious about everything, especially the natural world. This delightful biography follows Anna through her childhood and into her scientific career, where she became one of India's pioneering meteorologists. Her experiments, observations, and tools helped improve weather forecasting and research. This story inspires young readers—especially girls—to ask questions, follow their curiosity, and see science as an exciting, meaningful path.

Themes

STEAM
Biography

Sub Themes

Women in Science
Weather and Climate

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

  • Learn about the life and contributions of Indian scientist Anna Mani.
  • Understand how weather instruments work and why they matter.
  • Be inspired by a real woman scientist’s journey from childhood passion to professional impact.
  • See science as a space for exploration and creativity
  • Develop appreciation for accurate weather and climate observation

Lesson Plan

  • This lesson uses Anna’s biography to spark curiosity about science, especially weather and instruments.
  • It connects classroom knowledge with real-world science careers

Activities

  • DIY Weather Station: Create a simple weather tool (rain gauge, wind sock) using craft materials.
  • Scientist Timeline: Map Anna’s life milestones and link them to what she learned or contributed.
  • Weather Journal: Students track daily weather and make simple observations.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

  • What kind of questions do you like asking about the world?
  • Have you ever watched a weather report?
  • What do you know about how it works? Can you name a woman scientist?

During reading

  • Pause when Anna receives books for her birthday—ask: What would you ask for?
  • Ask: What weather tools do you think Anna invented or used

After reading

  • What made Anna curious as a child?
  • How did her curiosity help her become a scientist?
  • Why is studying weather important?
  • What would you like to invent to help people?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 4: Quality Education

Encourages education and learning through biographies of real scientists.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Celebrates a woman’s achievements in a STEAM field, breaking gender barriers.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Highlights scientific advancement and innovation in meteorology.

SDG 13 — Climate Action

Introduces climate and weather as critical themes in scientific research.

Curriculum Alignment

  • The Plant Whisperer – a young girl follows her love of plants into science Sailing
  • Ships and Sinking Spoons – fun weather-related experiments
  • The Big Dreamer – environment and science through youth action
  • The River Warrior – using science to clean and protect nature
  • The Scoop on Inventors – African American inventors of practical items of daily use

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