Weather & Climate
Students study local weather conditions to describe patterns. They explore weather forecasting to learn of its importance in helping us to be prepared for severe weather. Students learn how sunlight impacts the Earth, and ways we can protect ourselves from too much sun.
Standards
- K-ESS2-1. Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.
- K-ESS3-2. Ask questions to obtain information about the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather.
- K-PS3-1. Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface.
- K-PS3-2. Use tools and materials to design and build a structure that will reduce the warming effect of sunlight on an area.* [Clarification Statement: Examples of structures could include umbrellas, canopies, and tents that minimize the warming effect of the sun.]
Essential Questions and Big Ideas of the Unit
- How do we describe the different types of weather?
- Weather is the combination of sunlight, wind, snow or rain, and temperature in a particular region at a particular time. People measure these conditions to describe and record the weather and to notice patterns over time. (K-ESS2-1)
- Why is it important to know the weather forecast?
- Some kinds of severe weather are more likely than others in a given region. Weather scientists forecast severe weather so that the communities can prepare for and respond to these events. (K-ESS3-2)
- Why is the sun important to us?
- Sunlight warms Earth’s surface. (K-PS3-1),(K-PS3-2)
- How can we protect ourselves from too much sun?
- Asking questions, making observations, and gathering information are helpful in thinking about problems. (secondary to K-ESS3-2)
Download the complete Kindergarten Science Unit 1 framework to customize for your own planning.