Unit Plan 14 (Grade 2 Social Studies): Weather and How We Adapt
Explore local weather and seasonal patterns, how they shape clothing and activities, and simple ways people adapt to and care for their environment in any conditions.
Focus: Describe local weather and seasonal patterns and explain how they affect our clothes, homes, and activities; explore ways people adapt to, use, and care for their environment.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Social Studies (Geography • Environment • Community Life)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 30–45 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students investigate weather and seasons in their local area and how these patterns change what people wear, how they live, and what they do. Using weather charts, simple graphs, and pictures, they notice patterns such as hot vs. cold, rainy vs. dry, and windy vs. calm days. Students connect these patterns to real-life choices like clothing, outdoor activities, and how homes and communities adapt (heaters, fans, shade, rain gear). They also learn simple ways people can care for the environment in all kinds of weather (saving water, saving energy, reducing waste).
Essential Questions
- What are our local weather and seasonal patterns, and how do they change during the year?
- How does the weather affect what people wear, how they travel, and what they do each day?
- In what ways do people adapt to and use their environment when the weather is hot, cold, rainy, or snowy?
- How can we care for the environment and use resources wisely in different kinds of weather?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Describe local weather and seasonal patterns (hot/cold, sunny/cloudy, rainy/snowy, windy/calm) using charts and simple graphs.
- Explain how weather affects clothing, activities, and some features of homes (e.g., coats, fans, umbrellas, warm blankets).
- Give examples of how people adapt to their environment in different weather (e.g., wearing boots, using shade, staying inside during storms).
- Identify at least two ways people can care for the environment in any kind of weather (e.g., saving water, turning off lights, not wasting heat or AC).
- Create a Weather & Adaptation Chart or mini-book that shows how people dress and act in at least three types of weather and includes at least one environment-care idea.
Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (C3-based custom)
- 2.C3.Geo.3 — Describe local physical features, weather/seasonal patterns, and how they affect life.
- Example: Explain clothing and activities for each season in your area.
- 2.C3.Geo.5 — Explain how people adapt to, use, and care for environments (resources, conservation).
- Example: Give two ways the community reduces waste or protects water.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can describe what our weather is like in different seasons (temperature, rain, snow, sunshine, wind).
- I can tell how the weather changes what clothes I wear and what activities I do.
- I can give examples of how people adapt to the weather (like using umbrellas, coats, fans, or shade).
- I can name at least two ways people can care for the environment in different kinds of weather.
- I can make a chart or mini-book that shows weather, clothing/activities, and environment-care ideas.