Unit Plan 21 (Grade K Science): Weather Patterns Over Time
Kindergarten weather patterns unit where students track temperature, precipitation, and sky conditions, graph daily data, find patterns, and make simple predictions.
Focus: Look for patterns in temperature, precipitation, and sky conditions by recording daily observations and using simple graphs to make predictions.
Grade Level: K
Subject Area: Science (Earth & Space Science)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students become “weather watchers” as they observe and record daily weather features (sunny/cloudy, rainy/snowy, windy/calm) and track changes across the week. Using a class weather calendar, picture graphs, and simple routines with tools (thermometer read-aloud, windsock, rain gauge picture check), students learn that weather can change day to day, but patterns can be noticed over time. By the end of the week, students share a brief Weather Pattern Report using their class data and make a kid-friendly prediction for what tomorrow might be like.
Essential Questions
- What can we observe about weather each day?
- How can we use our weather data to find patterns over time?
- How do patterns help us make a simple prediction about weather?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Observe and name daily weather conditions (sunny, cloudy, rainy/snowy, windy/calm).
- Record daily observations using pictures, tallies, or simple labels on a class chart.
- Compare weather across multiple days to describe a pattern over time (e.g., “Most days were windy.”).
- Use a picture graph or tally chart to answer questions about the week’s weather data.
- Share an oral or visual Weather Pattern Report that includes at least one pattern statement and one prediction.
Standards Alignment — Grade K (NGSS-Aligned)
- K-ESS2-1 — Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.
- Example: Track daily weather for a week and use the class graph to describe what happened most often.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can observe the weather and tell what it is like today.
- I can help record our class weather on a chart.
- I can say a pattern we notice across days (like “mostly sunny”).
- I can use our graph to answer “Which happened most?” or “How many rainy days?”
- I can share what we learned in a Weather Pattern Report.