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2nd Grade  Project 3 weeks

Weather Wizards: Family Fun Forecasts!

Skylie W
Updated
SCI.2.ESS.1
SCI.2.ESS.3
ELA.2.R.1
ELA.2.W.2.b
M.2.MD.D.10
+ 6 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage second-grade students in hands-on learning experiences where they explore the connection between weather changes and community life using authentic materials. Through collaborative activities, students will interact directly with local climate data, hear real stories from family members, and partner with community meteorologists. This immersive project encourages critical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork as students understand how weather impacts lifestyle adaptations, transportation, and cultural practices. By creating diverse projects rooted in community stories and scientific observations, students will gain a deeper appreciation of how weather shapes identity and culture.

Learning goals

Students will deepen their understanding of how weather affects community life by engaging in hands-on activities, such as recording and analyzing real-world weather data, rather than simulations. They will build communication skills through authentic interviews and presentations, using actual data and narratives from their community. Collaboration is central, as students work together on projects, partner with a real meteorologist, and present findings in real-world scenarios. Math skills will be applied to graph data, with tools used to measure and represent actual weather conditions, while writing skills will be honed by crafting informative texts based on genuine observations and interviews.

Standards
  • [Wisconsin] SCI.2.ESS.1 - Students use science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and an understanding of Earth’s place in the universe to make sense of phenomena and solve problems.
  • [Wisconsin] SCI.2.ESS.3 - Students use science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and an understanding of the Earth and human activity to make sense of phenomena and solve problems.
  • [Wisconsin] ELA.2.R.1 - Develop and answer questions to demonstrate an understanding of key ideas and details in a text. (RI&RL)
  • [Wisconsin] ELA.2.W.2.b - Informative/explanatory text in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.
  • [Wisconsin] M.2.MD.D.10 - Draw a picture graph and a bar graph (with single-unit scale) to represent a data set with up to four categories. Solve simple put together, take-apart, and compare problems using information presented in a bar graph.
  • [Wisconsin] M.2.MD.D.9 - Generate measurement data by measuring lengths of several objects to the nearest whole unit, or by making repeated measurements of the same object. Show the measurements by making a line plot, where the horizontal scale is marked off in whole-number units.
  • [Wisconsin] SS.Geog4.a.2 - Categorize characteristics of the local community (e.g., weather and climate, population, landforms, vegetation, culture, industry). Describe how certain places have meanings that distinguish them from other places. (e.g., shopping mall, park, places of worship).
  • [Wisconsin] SS.Geog3.b.2 - Compare and contrast the different modes of transportation and communication used by families in work and daily lives.
Competencies
  • 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.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.

Products

Throughout the project, students will create a collaborative storybook using authentic materials, illustrating characters from their community experiencing various weather conditions and adaptations. They will also produce short animated films or presentations, incorporating actual data and real interviews to narrate weather impacts on community life. By the project's end, student creations will be showcased at the Weather Fair Day, offering insights through genuine storytelling and visual representation.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with the 'Seasons of Our Community Fair,' where students actively engage with diverse weather-themed stations, offering hands-on experiences with authentic materials like local clothing and tools for different weather conditions. Include interactive storytelling of community culture influenced by climate and collaborative mural art projects using outdoor elements to depict seasonal changes. This immersive event aims to spark curiosity and set the stage for exploring how weather shapes our community identity and lifestyle.

Exhibition

Participate in "Weather Fair Day," where students become 'news reporters' presenting live stories about weather conditions and their impacts. Use authentic materials such as real-time weather data and interviews conducted with local meteorologists and community members. Encourage students to include multimedia elements like video clips or animations to vividly showcase how weather influences their community's lifestyle and identity throughout the seasons.