Kindergarten Grade  Project 1 week

Weather Whiz Kids: Mini Meteorologists!

Kaitlyn J
K-ESS2-1
IH.C.3.PW/PS.Q1
NM.C.3.PW/PS.Q1
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

This project aims to immerse kindergarten students in understanding the impact of weather on daily life through a hands-on, narrative-driven experience. By observing and discussing local weather patterns, students will develop critical thinking skills and learn to articulate how weather influences clothing choices and activities. The project fosters self-directed learning as students engage in reflection and receive feedback, culminating in a creative presentation that showcases their newfound meteorological insights.

Learning goals

Students will develop an understanding of how weather conditions influence daily life choices, such as clothing and activities. They will practice narrative writing by crafting a two-sentence weather report, enhancing their ability to sequence events and express reactions. Through daily reflections and peer feedback, students will build self-awareness and improve their presentation skills. Engaging with a local meteorologist will deepen their comprehension of weather forecasting and its significance in community preparedness. The project will culminate in a creative art piece and a recorded weather report, fostering critical thinking and self-directed learning.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] K-ESS2-1 - Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] K-ESS3-2 - Ask questions to obtain information about the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.3 - Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to narrate a single event or several loosely linked events, tell about the events in the order in which they occurred, and provide a reaction to what happened.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create a two-sentence narrative piece describing a weather event and its impact on daily activities and attire. They will craft a weather-themed art piece using mixed media to visually represent different weather conditions. Each student will present their narrative as a meteorologist, with selected presentations recorded using a green screen. Daily reflections and a practice presentation day will further refine their understanding and presentation skills.

Launch

Begin the project with a daily weather observation activity where students step outside to feel the weather and observe the sky, noting changes on a class weather chart. Encourage students to express their observations through a collaborative craft, using materials like cotton balls and tissue paper to create a visual representation of the day's weather. Introduce the concept of being a meteorologist by having students practice simple weather reports using props and costumes in a playful, imaginative setting.

Exhibition

Students will showcase their weather reports in a "Kindergarten Weather Expo," where each class presents their top meteorologist video using a green screen. The event will feature a gallery walk of students' weather-themed art pieces and narrative writings displayed for parents and community members to enjoy. Local meteorologists and student teachers will serve as judges, providing feedback and celebrating students' creativity and understanding of weather impacts.