Science
SCI.V.3.1
Grade: K
Using Scientific Knowledge in Earth Science
- Atmosphere and Weather
Strand:
Standard:
All students will investigate and describe what makes up weather and how it
changes from day to day, from season to season and over long periods of
time
Benchmark:
Describe weather conditions
Constructing & Reflecting:
SCI.I.1.1 - Generate reasonable questions about the world based on observation.
SCI.I.1.6 - Construct charts and graphs and prepare summaries of observations.
SCI.II.1.1 - Develop an awareness of the need for evidence in making decisions scientifically.
SCI.II.1.2 - Show how science concepts can be illustrated through creative expression such as language arts and fine
arts.
SCI.II.1.4 - Develop an awareness of and sensitivity to the natural world.
Vocabulary / Key Concept
Context
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daily changes in weather
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examples of severe weather
Cold
Hot
Warm
Cloudy
Foggy
Freezing rain
Sleet
Rain
Snow
Windy
Thunderstorms
Lightning
Tornado
Thermometer
Fahrenheit
Celsius
Degrees
Weather
Knowledge and Skills
Resources
Coloma Resources:
At any given time, various weather conditions
occur on Earth. These conditions change in a
predictable patter. Daily changes and severe
weather can be observed.
Everyday Math Materials
Students will:
Weather Watch Activities
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www.kizclub.com:
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Observe weather conditions:
• Temperature
• Cloud cover
• Precipitation
• Wind
Math Their Way
Weather Graph (attached)
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Weather pictures
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Weather diary
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Weather wheel
Distinguish among different types of severe
weather:
• Tornadoes
• Blizzards
• Thunderstorms
• Hurricanes
• Lightning
• High winds
Instruction
Benchmark Question: What makes up weather
and how does it change from day to day, from
season to season, and over long periods of time?
Focus Question: What are the daily changes in
weather?
Weather will be reported each day in the
classroom daily routine.
Weather may be graphed each month. At the end
of the month, class will count how many sunny,
windy, snowy etc. days.
Assessment
None
Children will have many opportunities
throughout the year to report the weather.
Teacher Notes:
Investigate and describe what makes up weather.
Beginning in the elementary years, observation of the weather is a common school event. In many
classrooms, daily calendar activities include a description of the weather. Infrequently, air temperature, cloud
cover, or severe weather is mentioned. For students to understand the importance of air to atmosphere and
the weather, they must understand that air is a substance, it is matter, and it has mass and volume. This is a
very difficult concept for young children because they cannot see air. Interestingly, middle grade students
seem to have the most difficulty with this concept.
Patterns of the weather require that scientifically literate students understand air masses, front systems, and
have general map reading skills. In the elementary grades, students should start to see the patterns of
weather in different seasons. In this case, however, it is important to point out the colloquial use of different
season terms. For instance, when the first snow flies, we typically say that winter has come whether it is
December 21st or not. Paying attention to the differences between the weather and what we call each season
is important. In general, we can predict that, in Michigan, it will snow in winter, less frequently in the spring and
fall, and almost never in the summer. In the middle grades students can use weather maps and satellite
weather images to see the patterns of weather.