Unit Plan 19 (PreK Science): Weather of the Day
PreK weather unit where children observe daily weather, chart sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowy, and windy days, and notice simple patterns over time.
Focus: Observe and describe daily weather (sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowy, windy) and notice simple patterns over time using charts, pictures, and “weather reporter” routines.
Grade Level: PreK
Subject Area: Science (Weather • Observation/Inquiry)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
This week, children become Weather Detectives. They look outside each day, use their senses, and name what the sky is doing: sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowy, or windy. Together, the class builds a simple weather chart to record observations and then looks for repeating patterns (like “two sunny days in a row” or “it got windier today”). The unit ends with children sharing a short “Weather of the Day” report using pictures, gestures, and kid-friendly science words.
Essential Questions
- What weather do we notice today (sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowy, windy)?
- How can we use our senses to observe and describe the weather?
- What patterns do we notice when we look at our weather chart over many days?
- How can we predict what might happen next using what we observed?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify and name daily weather conditions (sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowy, windy) using pictures and real observations.
- Use simple language to describe today’s weather (e.g., “The sky is cloudy and the air feels cool.”).
- Help record daily observations on a class chart using symbols, stamps, or weather cards.
- Compare days to notice simple patterns over time (same/different; more/less; repeating conditions).
- Share a short “Weather of the Day” report using a picture prompt and at least one weather word.
Standards Alignment — PreK (NGSS-based custom)
- PK-ESS2-1 — Observe daily weather and describe simple weather patterns.
- Example: Match a weather card during morning meeting and add it to the class chart to notice repeats.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can tell today’s weather (sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowy, windy).
- I can use my eyes/skin/ears to observe what the weather feels and looks like.
- I can help add a weather picture to our class chart.
- I can say how today is the same or different from yesterday.
- I can share a short weather report with a picture and words.