This is a science unit for a second classroom learning about Weather. This unit was designed to integrate the following Grade 2 Common Core Science Standards:
ESS 2.3.1 Long- and short-term weather changes occur due to changes in energy
ESS 2.1.1 The atmosphere is made up of air
ESS 2.2.1 Water is present in the air
Below is a sample of one of the lessons. To view the entire unit, please click HERE.
Lesson 1: What to Wear?
5E Lesson Plan
Engage:
The teacher will come in to the classroom dressed in weather-related clothing (i.e. a raincoat/boots, mittens, scarf, etc.). Bring other clothing for other seasons in a bag. Begin by asking the students why you have on what you’re wearing. Ask how they decided what to wear for the day. What would they wear if it was rainy? Windy? Warm? Snowy? Etc.? Then let the kids sort the different clothing items into the different sections on the floor. If they students mention words/topics like temperature and seasons, start a discussion on that.
Explore
Split the class into four different groups. Have the students cut out people wearing clothing from magazines. Make sure each group is assigned a season. This can also be done individually (students find one picture for each season). Bring the students back together in a large group and have them sort their cut out pictures into the designated sections on the floor. The sections are separated by season.
Explain
Now is the time to discuss the different kinds of clothing people wear for the different seasons in their area. Read Weather by Pamela Chanko. Explain the different kinds of clothes seen in the book and discuss with the students the different clothes that are worn in other parts of the state, country and other parts of the world as well. Discuss climate and how seasons are different in different countries around the world.
Elaborate
Have the students use journals to write about their favorite season and why. Then have them place pictures on a map to show what other people around world would be wearing based on the temperature of where they are from.
Evaluate
Students will have an accurate selection of cut pictures from the magazines placed in each season’s section; will have a display of pictures on the map; discussion; participation.
Jenna McGuire 