Unit Plan 20 (Grade K Science): Weather Tools
Kindergarten weather tools unit using thermometers, windsocks, and rain gauges to collect data, track local weather, and describe patterns over time.
Focus: Use simple weather tools (thermometer, windsock, rain gauge) to collect and share observations of local weather patterns over time.
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 scientists” by learning how tools help us observe and measure the world more carefully. Across the week, children explore three beginner-friendly weather tools—thermometers (temperature), windsocks (wind direction/strength), and rain gauges (precipitation). They practice taking measurements the same way each time, recording data using pictures and simple numbers, and sharing patterns they notice (e.g., “It was cooler in the morning,” “Windier before lunch,” “Rain filled the cup a little bit”). The unit ends with a class Weather Station Share, where students explain what their data shows about local weather.
Essential Questions
- How can tools help us observe weather more accurately?
- What can we learn from measuring temperature, wind, and rain over time?
- How do we record and share weather observations so others can understand our data?
- What patterns can we notice in our local weather when we track it every day?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Use and share observations of local weather (sunny, cloudy, rainy, windy) to describe patterns over time (K-ESS2-1).
- Use a simple thermometer to compare temperatures as warmer/cooler and (when appropriate) read a basic number value.
- Use a windsock to observe wind direction and describe wind as calm/breezy/windy.
- Use a simple rain gauge to observe and compare how much rain fell (none/some/a lot; or small measurement marks).
- Record weather tool data using pictures, tallies, or simple numbers and explain one pattern from the week’s observations.
Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (NGSS-Aligned)
- K-ESS2-1 — Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.
- Example: Track temperature, wind, and rain across several days and describe what stayed the same or changed.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can use a tool to help me observe the weather.
- I can tell if the day is warmer or cooler using a thermometer.
- I can use a windsock to tell which way the wind is blowing.
- I can use a rain gauge to see if we got no rain, some rain, or a lot of rain.
- I can share my weather data and tell one pattern I noticed.