Students investigate the weather in their own community by observing, sorting, counting, and comparing daily conditions to discover patterns across the week. They use these observations to ask and answer questions about what kind of weather happens most often, why forecasts matter, and how people prepare for severe weather. The learning experience builds understanding through hands-on weather stations, clothing choices, safety practice, partner feedback, and a class weather video that teaches others what to do. By the end, students use real data and real-world safety knowledge to explain weather patterns and show confident, appropriate responses to severe weather.
Learning goals
Students will observe local weather each day, sort it into categories, and use counts to compare which weather happens more or less across the week. They will ask and answer questions about weather patterns, weather forecasts, and why schools practice safety procedures for severe weather. Students will identify appropriate clothing and gear for different weather conditions and explain their choices using daily observations. They will work with partners to revise charts, safety demonstrations, and video ideas so they can clearly teach others what to do in different kinds of weather.
Standards
[Kentucky] KY.K.MD.2 - Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common, to see which object has "more of"/ "less of" the attribute and describe the difference.
[Kentucky] KY.K.MD.3 - Classify and sort objects or people by attributes. Limit objects or people in each category to be less than or equal to 10.
[Kentucky] C.K.6 - With guidance and support, collect information from real-world experiences or provided sources to answer or generate questions.
[Kentucky] K-ESS2-1 - Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.
[Kentucky] K-ESS3-2 - Ask questions to obtain information about the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather.*
Competencies
Empowered Learner - Demonstrates mastery and application of academic competencies. Develops the skills and dispositions to persist through difficulties and plan for a future of self-improvement.
Products
Students will create daily weather observation charts using pictures, tallies, or symbols to sort and count sunny, rainy, cloudy, and other weather types across the week. They will also make weather station artifacts such as dressed dolls or clothing/gear match-ups and simple safety response practice cards that show what to do during severe weather. Throughout the week, pairs will revise these products after partner and teacher feedback. By the end, the class will produce a short Weather Watcher video that shares the week’s weather patterns, appropriate clothing choices, and clear demonstrations of school severe weather safety procedures.
Launch
Begin with a “Weather Stations” classroom tour where pairs rotate through sunny, rainy, cloudy, windy, and severe weather tables to dress a doll, choose matching gear, and act out one safe response. Gather students to compare what they noticed at each station and introduce the class challenge: create a weather safety video that teaches others how to observe weather, choose appropriate clothing, and stay safe. Add a quick live weather check outside or through the window so students can name the day’s weather and place the first card on a class weather chart. Close by asking, “How can we sort, count, and compare our weather data to describe the week’s weather?”
Exhibition
Students can premiere their short Weather Watcher safety video during a school Zoom or class assembly and explain one weather pattern they noticed from the week’s chart. Display the class weather graph, sorted picture cards, and dressed dolls or weather gear choices beside the video so families, administrators, or another kindergarten class can see how students sorted, counted, and compared their data. Invite administration to join the event and briefly connect the students’ video to real school severe weather procedures. End with each child sharing one sentence about what to do during severe weather and how confident they feel about staying safe.