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Topics

Movement & Play, Vocabulary, Weather

Grades

K, 1st, 2nd

Subjects

Science, Earth and Space Sciences

Duration

60 minutes

Regional Focus

North America, United States, USA - Northeast, New Jersey

Format

Google Docs, Google Slides

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This lesson plan is licensed under Creative Commons.

Creative Commons License

Understanding Weather

Created By Teacher:
Last Updated:
Mar 28, 2024
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SubjectToClimate

Synopsis

This lesson introduces the concept of weather to students.


Step 1 - Inquire:  Students generate ideas in response to the question "What is weather?" and watch a read aloud video of the book Fabienne’s Wild Weather Adventure.


Step 2 - Investigate:  Students learn the definition of weather and start an individual weather journal to track the weather each day.


Step 3 - Inspire: Students design their own weather wheel and make a prediction of the Earth’s climate 30 years from now by drawing a timeline.

Accompanying Teaching Materials
Teaching Tips

Positives

  • This lesson creates a collaborative learning environment for students as they are introduced to weather and its importance.

  • This lesson features sensory learning as students use their five senses to make observations about the weather.

  • This lesson features excellent vocabulary development.

  • This lesson provides an introduction to the relationship between climate and weather.

Additional Prerequisites

  • You can place a thermometer in an easily accessed outside location (e.g., near the recess area) and check the temperature daily.

  • It is necessary to print the weather journal and weather wheel ahead of time.

Differentiation

  • You can have students think-pair-share during the read aloud. Students can make predictions or answer questions.

  • You can pause the read aloud before the text is read for students to make observations and predictions about the story.

  • Groups of students with mixed abilities can collaborate on their weather wheel and their future climate prediction.

  • Possible Extension: Work with the school administration to find a way for students to share a daily weather report with the school (e.g., live morning assembly, email blast, TV announcement, etc.).

Scientist Notes

Observing the weather to track changes is an important activity. This lesson allows students to understand the local weather and observe the patterns and their impact on their daily activities and the environment. All materials are suitable techniques for qualitative weather forecasting. On that account, this lesson has passed our scientific credibility process and is recommended for teaching.

Standards

Note On Standards:

This lesson is aligned to New Jersey standards. Review the aligned standards directly in the lesson plan document and teacher slideshow.

Discover more on the New Jersey Climate Education Hub.
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