Weather Seasons Planner Template
Grade 1 • Earth & Space Science Unit: Patterns in the Sky & Seasons
Daily Weather & Seasonal Patterns Planner
Lesson Plan Sheet Page 1 of 2
Lesson Topic / Focus
Observing Daily Weather & Seasons
Pacing / Duration
45 Minutes (or 2 × 25m)
Date & Class
____ / Room: _____
Teacher Name
___________________
1. Standards & Dimensions (NGSS Aligned)
Performance Expectation
1-ESS1-2: Make observations at different times of year to relate amount of daylight and weather to seasonal cycles.
Science Practice (SEP)
SEP-4: Analyzing & Interpreting Data (Record weather symbols, track patterns on class chart).
Crosscutting Concept (CCC)
Patterns: Patterns in the natural world can be observed, used to describe phenomena, and used as evidence.
Essential Questions
- How does today's weather compare to yesterday, and how do we use our senses and tools to measure it?
- How do seasonal changes affect temperature, daylight, plant life, and what clothing we choose to wear?
Learning Objectives (SWBAT)
- ✓ Identify & describe 4 key weather elements (sun, cloud, wind, temperature).
- ✓ Record observations in a student weather log using symbols and color codes.
- ✓ Connect weather patterns to the current season and daily choices.
Key Scientific Vocabulary & Discourse
Total Physical Response (TPR) + Picture Cards
Temperature
How warm or cool the air feels outside.
Gesture: Shivering or fanning
Precipitation
Water falling from clouds: rain, snow, hail.
Gesture: Wiggling finger drops
Wind (Anemometer)
Moving air; can be calm, breezy, or gusty.
Gesture: Blowing breath, swaying
Season (Cycle)
4 yearly weather patterns (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer).
Gesture: Big arm circle cycle
Sentence Frame: "Today the weather is [adjective] because I observe [evidence] outside."
Materials & Station Setup
Outdoor Thermometer Ribbon Windsock / Flag Class Weather Graph Poster Student Weather Journals Weather Symbol Stamp/Stickers Seasonal Dress-Up Cards
Misconceptions & Safety Check
Misconception: Clouds only appear when it rains. (Clarify: White puffy cumulus clouds often accompany fair sunny weather!)
Outdoor Safety Note: Never look directly at the sun. Dress appropriately if going outside for sky observations.
Teacher Reminder: Check local forecast during morning meeting to prepare real-time discussion points. NGSS Grade 1 Earth Systems
5E Instructional Cycle & Delivery Plan
Inquiry Architecture: Engage → Explore → Explain → Elaborate → Evaluate
Lesson Plan Sheet Page 2 of 2
1
Engage: Weather Window Phenomenon
7-8 Min
Teacher Hook: Open classroom blinds or step into the courtyard. Play mystery sound clip (wind gust or raindrops). Ask: "What clues tell our eyes and skin what the sky is doing right now?"
Formative Prompt: Students do a 10-second silent observation, then turn-and-talk: "Today feels warm/cold because..."
2
Explore: Outdoor Meteorologist Walk & Tool Check
12-15 Min
Investigation Tasks: Students take clipboards outside. Station 1: Read the oversized color thermometer (blue/green/red zones). Station 2: Hold ribbon wand to test wind direction & strength. Station 3: Sketch cloud cover (clear, partial, overcast).
Tool 1: Thermometer marker
Tool 2: Ribbon wind wand
Data Log: Weather symbol stamp
3
Explain: Class Weather Graph & Science Sensemaking
10 Min
Gather on carpet. Add today's symbol to the monthly calendar bar chart. Guide whole-group sensemaking: "We had 3 sunny days and 1 rainy day this week. What pattern do we notice about this time of year?" Introduce or reinforce target vocabulary with physical motions.
4
Elaborate: Seasonal Clothing & Habit Connection
8 Min
Connect weather to human and animal life: "Bear wants to go outside today. What should Bear wear based on our temperature reading?" Students pair-share matching clothing cards (rain boots, coat, sunglasses, mittens) to the observed weather conditions.
5
Evaluate: Daily Science Journal Exit Check
5 Min
Formative Assessment: Independent entry in Student Weather Log. Students circle the temperature icon (Hot / Warm / Cool / Cold), draw the sky, and complete: "The weather is _____." Quick teacher check at door or carpet.
Differentiated Instructional Supports
ELL / Multilingual Learners
Visual icon word wall; paired buddy for outdoor observations; accept oral sentence frames or drawings.
Striving Learners / Tier 2
Pre-stamped journal options; sensory touch test (holding hand in sun vs. shade); simplified 2-choice options.
Extension / Early Finishers
Predict tomorrow's sky based on today's wind; compare today's daylight length with winter months.
Post-Lesson Teacher Reflection & Adjustments
To be completed after delivery
What engaged students most / Evidence of mastery:
Misconceptions noted / Tomorrow's adjustment:
Cumulative Tracker: Day ____ of 20 in Weather & Seasons Unit • Data contributes to End-of-Month Pattern Summary 1st Grade Science Template
