K-ESS2-1: Weather Patterns

 

Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.

 

Clarification Statement: Examples of qualitative observations could include descriptions of the weather (such as sunny, cloudy, rainy, and warm); examples of quantitative observations could include numbers of sunny, windy, and rainy days in a month. Examples of patterns could include that it is usually cooler in the morning than in the afternoon and the number of sunny days versus cloudy days in different months.

 

Assessment Boundary: Assessment of quantitative observations limited to whole numbers and relative measures such as warmer/cooler.

 

Evidence Statement

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:


1. Understand what weather is and how it changes.
2. Make observations of local weather conditions.
3. Describe and discuss patterns in weather over time.

 

Materials

- Weather chart or calendar
- Weather symbols (e.g., sun, cloud, raindrop)
- Pictures of different weather conditions
- Thermometer
- Barometer (optional)
- Vocabulary sheet
- Images of weather patterns
- Quiz materials                                                                               -3D  Models

**Images and Videos:** Show various weather conditions and patterns, such as seasonal changes and weather maps.

Pre-Lesson Discussion (15 minutes)

1.Engagement: Begin with a question to engage students, e.g., "What's the weather like today? How does it feel outside?"


2. Introduction to Vocabulary: Introduce key vocabulary terms (weather, conditions, patterns) using simple and relatable examples.


3. Discussion: Discuss how weather can change from day to day and how we can observe and record these changes.

 

Activities:Weather Observations ,Weather Patterns

Activity 1 :Weather Observations 

1. Weather Chart: Set up a weather chart or calendar with sections for each day of the week. Include symbols for different weather conditions.

2. Observations:** Ask students to observe and record the weather conditions for the day, including temperature (use a thermometer) and other observations (e.g., sunny, cloudy, rainy).


3. Discussion: Discuss the observations as a class, allowing students to share what they observed for the day.

Activity  2 - Weather Patterns 

1. Pictures of Weather:Show pictures of different weather conditions (e.g., sunny day, rainy day, snowy day).


2. Pattern Identification:Have students identify patterns in the pictures, such as noticing that sunny days have no clouds and rainy days have raindrops.

 

Discussion and Analysis

1. Patterns Over Time: Discuss patterns in weather conditions observed over a week or a month. Encourage students to describe how the weather changes from day to day.


2. Recording Patterns: Ask students to share if they noticed any patterns, like more sunny days in the summer and more rainy days in the spring.

 

Quiz,Assessment


1. Assessment:Conduct a brief quiz to assess students' understanding of the concepts covered in the lesson. Sample questions can include:


- What is weather?
- How can we observe and record weather conditions?
- What are some patterns in weather that you observed?

 

Vocabulary

- Weather
- Conditions
- Patterns

Teacher Notes

- Encourage students to continue observing and recording the weather on their own or with their families.
- Relate the lesson to the seasons and how weather patterns change throughout the year.

This detailed lesson plan provides a structured approach to teaching NGSS Performance Expectation K-ESS2-1 and includes pre-lesson discussion points, teacher notes, a quiz, vocabulary sheet, DCI and CCC references, as well as images related to weather patterns. You can adapt and expand on this template for the other NGSS standards as needed.

Phenomena
  • Why Do Sunflowers Follow the Sun?
  • Weather Folklore
  • Why Does the Wind Blow?
  • World Climographs
  • Timelapse of a Blizzard

**Phenomenon:** The phenomenon observed is the changing weather conditions over time and the patterns that emerge.

 

SEP

Students will engage in using and sharing observations of local weather conditions

DCI

ESS2.D: Weather and Climate

CCC

students observe and describe patterns in weather conditions.