Unit Plan 25 (PreK Science): Weather Safety & Preparation
PreK weather safety unit teaching children to prepare for storms, hot and cold days using routines, tools, role-play, and simple safety plans.
Focus: Explore how we prepare and stay safe in different kinds of weather (storms, cold days, hot days) using routines, tools, and classroom role-play.
Grade Level: PreK
Subject Area: Science (Earth & Space Science • Safety Routines • Communication)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 30–45 minutes per session
I. Introduction
This week, children learn that some kinds of weather can be uncomfortable or unsafe, and that people can prepare ahead of time. Using picture forecasts, clothing props, and simple classroom routines, students practice what to do during a storm, on a very hot day, and on a very cold day. The unit ends with a “Weather Safety Share” where students present a simple safety plan (drawings + short sentences) and demonstrate one classroom routine.
Essential Questions
- How do we know what weather is coming (a simple forecast)?
- What can we do to prepare for hot, cold, or stormy weather?
- What routines help keep us safe at school during bad weather?
- How can we help others stay safe in different kinds of weather?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify common weather types (sunny, rainy, windy, snowy) and describe when weather might be unsafe (big storm, extreme hot/cold).
- Match simple tools and clothing to weather needs (coat/hat, raincoat/boots, water bottle/shade).
- Practice one classroom safety routine for stormy weather (move to safe space, calm body, listening ears).
- Create a simple “Weather Safety Plan” drawing that shows one way to prepare for a type of weather.
- Communicate one safety idea using words, gestures, or picture labels (e.g., “I wear boots,” “I drink water,” “I go to the safe spot”).
Standards Alignment — PreK (NGSS-based custom)
- PK-ESS3-3 — Notice that we prepare for different types of weather.
- Example: Using raincoats, hats, or hearing weather alerts in class.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can tell what today’s weather is like using pictures and words.
- I can show how to prepare by choosing the right clothing or tools.
- I can practice our storm safety routine with my class.
- I can make a drawing that shows how to stay safe in hot, cold, or stormy weather.
- I can share one safety idea with my teacher or friends.