Winter Wonders Lesson Plan Winter Wonders
Exploring the Season through Creation
Lesson Plan
Time 60 Mins
Audience Grades K-5
Approach Project-Based
Objective Seasonal Change
Materials Needed
Recyclables: Cardboard, paper, bottles
Natural: Twigs, leaves, pinecones
Scissors & Glue
Markers or Crayons
Winter Discussion Cards
Why This Lesson?
"Encourages students to observe and understand the changes in nature during winter, fostering curiosity and creativity through collaborative teamwork."
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Introduction to Winter
10 MINS
Gather students and spark their curiosity about the changing world outside.
Discuss observations: What changes do they notice? (Temperature, trees, daylight)
Define winter: Discuss seasonal transitions.
Introduce activity: The "Winter Scene" project.
2
Winter Scene Creation
30 MINS
Hands-on application using combined materials.
Form small collaborative groups.
Distribute recyclable and natural materials.
Prompt: Create a snowy landscape or a specific animal habitat (e.g., a bear's den).
3
Group Presentations
10 MINS
Communication and community feedback.
Groups present their "world" to the class.
Explanation: Why did they choose these specific elements?
Peer Q&A: Focus on positive, constructive feedback.
4
Closure and Reflection
10 MINS
Consolidating knowledge through sharing.
Reflect on the connection between the art and real-world nature.
Share-out: One new thing learned about winter.
Pro-Tip for Success
Encourage students to look for textures in their natural materials—the rough bark of a twig can represent a weathered tree, while fluffy cotton or paper can mimic deep snow!
Winter Wonders Presentation Slides Winter Wonders
Exploring the Season
What is Winter?
Look outside or think about the coldest days of the year...
"What are three things that tell you winter has arrived?"
Nature's quiet transformation
Nature's Big Changes
The Plants
Where did the leaves go? Why are some trees still green?
The Animals
How do animals stay warm? Where do they hide from the snow?
The Sky
Why does it get dark so early? What happens to the sun?
The Creation Challenge
Your mission is to work with your team to create a 3D Winter Scene using only Natural and Recycled materials!
Building Blocks
From Nature
Twigs & Branches
Dried Leaves
Pinecones & Acorns
Stones & Pebbles
From Recyclables
Cardboard Scraps
Plastic Bottles
Paper Tubes
Old Newspaper
Team Power!
Share Ideas
Listen to everyone's suggestions before you start building.
Assign Roles
Who is the architect? Who is the materials scout?
Show & Tell
When you present your scene, be ready to explain:
"What elements did you include and why?"
Winter Discussion Cards Winter Discussion Cards
Classroom Conversation Starters
Teacher Note: Use these cards during the "Introduction to Winter" phase. You can cut them out and have students pick one to answer in pairs, or use them for a whole-class discussion.
The Chill Factor
How does the air feel different in the winter compared to summer? What are some ways we keep ourselves warm?
Nature's Sleep
What happens to the leaves on the trees in winter? Why do you think some plants stop growing during this time?
Animal Homes
Where do you think birds, squirrels, and insects go when it gets very cold? How do they find food?
Short Days
Have you noticed it gets dark earlier in winter? How does having less sunlight change what you do after school?
Snowy Science
If it snows where you live, what does it feel and look like? If it doesn't snow, what other signs of winter do you see?
Winter Joy
What is your favorite thing about the winter season? Is there an activity you can only do when it is cold?
Think-Pair-Share Activity
1
THINK
Silent reflection on your card's question.
2
PAIR
Share your answer with a partner.
3
SHARE
Share your partner's best idea with the class!
Winter Scene Planner Worksheet Winter Scene Planner
Team Discovery Activity
Name:
Date:
Our Creative Team
The Blueprint
Sketch your winter scene idea here. Will it be a forest, a snowy mountain, or a backyard?
Material Scavengers
Check off the materials your team will use for your construction.
Twigs & Sticks
Dry Leaves
Cardboard Scraps
Paper Tubes
Plastic Bottles
Other: ___________________
The Winter Why
How will your scene show that it is winter time? Explain one specific "winter sign" you are including:
Winter Discovery Exit Ticket Winter Discovery
Exit Ticket • Reflect & Share
Name:
Date:
1
What is one new thing you learned about how nature changes in winter?
2
How did working with your team help you create a better winter scene?
3
Draw a picture of the most interesting material your team used today:
How I feel about my work today:
Winter Scene Rubric Winter Scene Rubric
Assessment Guide • Grades K-5
Teacher Note: This rubric is designed to assess the collaborative "Winter Scene" project. It focuses on seasonal understanding, creativity with materials, and teamwork.
Criteria Developing (1) Proficient (2) Exceeds (3) Seasonal Signs Little to no winter-specific signs are included in the scene. Includes 1-2 clear signs of winter (e.g., snow, bare trees, hibernating animals). Includes 3+ detailed signs of winter and can explain the science behind them. Material Use Uses only one type of material; scene lacks detail. Creatively combines both natural and recycled materials to build elements. Exceptional use of textures and layers; transforms materials in clever ways. Presentation Struggles to explain the choices made for the scene. Clearly explains the elements included and why they represent winter. Confident explanation with deep connection to seasonal observations. Teamwork Team struggled to share ideas or split tasks. All team members contributed and worked together toward a common goal. Outstanding collaboration; team actively supported and encouraged each other.
Final Feedback
Total Score
/12
