Kindergarten Weather Watchers: Predict, Prepare, and Explore
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as junior meteorologists, use our observations and mathematical skills to understand, predict, and prepare for the changing weather patterns and seasons around us?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does weather change from day to day and season to season?
- What tools do meteorologists use to study and predict the weather?
- How can we stay safe and prepare for different types of weather?
- How do different seasons impact our daily lives and activities?
- How can we use math to describe and compare weather conditions?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the role of a meteorologist in observing and predicting weather.
- Identify and describe different types of weather and their characteristics.
- Recognize and explain the changing weather patterns from day to day and season to season.
- Use basic mathematical skills (counting, comparing) to describe weather conditions.
- Learn about tools meteorologists use and their functions.
- Develop safety measures and preparedness strategies for various weather events.
- Understand the impact of different seasons on daily lives and activities.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMystery Weather Box
A large, intriguing box arrives in the classroom, filled with items related to different types of weather (e.g., a small umbrella, a mitten, a fan, a water spray bottle). Students work together to open the box, examine the items, and discuss what they think the items have in common and what questions they have about weather.Weather Dress-Up Day
Announce a special 'Weather Dress-Up Day' where students come to school dressed as their favorite type of weather (e.g., a sunny day, a rainy cloud, a snowy flake). During circle time, each student explains their weather costume and shares a fact or question about the weather they represent. This sparks discussion and reveals initial knowledge and interests.The Curious Case of the Missing Sun
Begin the day with a 'breaking news' announcement: the sun has gone missing! Present dramatic 'evidence' (e.g., dim lighting, a recorded message from a 'concerned citizen'). Task the students, as newly appointed 'Weather Detectives,' to investigate where the sun might be and what happens when it's not around. This sets the stage for learning about day/night cycles and the sun's importance.Weather Soundscape
Play a recording of various weather sounds (e.g., rain, wind, thunder, birds chirping). Ask students to close their eyes and imagine what the weather is like. Then, have them create their own weather soundscape using classroom instruments and their voices. This encourages sensory engagement and discussion about different weather conditions.My Weather Journal
Start the project by giving each student a blank 'Weather Journal.' As a class, brainstorm different types of weather and what information could be collected about each day's weather (e.g., sunny, cloudy, rainy, temperature). Spend a few minutes each day observing the weather outside and recording observations in the journals using drawings, symbols, and early writing.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Weather Watcher's Journal: Initial Observations
Students begin their journey as junior meteorologists by creating a personal weather journal. This journal will be used throughout the project to record daily weather observations, fostering a sense of continuous learning and observation.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA personalized weather journal with an initial weather observation chart and several days' worth of weather observations.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with the learning goals of identifying and describing different types of weather and their characteristics, as well as recognizing and explaining the changing weather patterns from day to day.The Weather Symbols Decoder
Students learn to identify and draw common weather symbols, enhancing their ability to communicate weather information effectively. This activity introduces a standardized way to represent weather conditions.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA 'Weather Symbol Decoder' sheet in their weather journal and accurate use of weather symbols in daily observations.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with the learning goals of identifying and describing different types of weather and using effective communication methods (symbols) to represent weather conditions.Temperature Tracker: Hot or Cold?
Students explore the concept of temperature and learn to differentiate between hot, warm, cool, and cold weather. This activity introduces basic temperature concepts in a hands-on manner.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA temperature scale in their weather journal and daily recordings of temperature observations (hot, warm, cool, or cold).Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with the learning goals of using basic mathematical skills to describe weather conditions (temperature) and identifying and describing different types of weather and their characteristics.Season Sorters: What's the Season?
Students learn to identify the four seasons and sort weather conditions and activities associated with each season. This activity introduces the concept of seasonal changes and their impact.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA 'Season Sorter' chart in their weather journals with correctly sorted weather conditions, activities, and holidays for each season.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with the learning goals of recognizing and explaining the changing weather patterns from season to season and understanding the impact of different seasons on daily lives and activities.Predict-a-Weather: Becoming a Junior Forecaster
Students use their accumulated weather observations to make simple weather predictions. This activity encourages critical thinking and the application of learned knowledge.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityDaily weather predictions recorded in their weather journals and discussions about the accuracy of their forecasts.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with the learning goals of understanding the role of a meteorologist in observing and predicting weather and recognizing and explaining the changing weather patterns from day to day and season to season.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioKindergarten Weather Portfolio Rubric: Junior Meteorologists
Weather Watcher's Journal: Initial Observations
Assesses the student's ability to create and maintain a weather journal with initial observations.Journal Creation and Decoration
Evaluates the completeness and creativity of the weather journal's cover and initial setup.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe weather journal cover is creatively decorated with diverse weather symbols and colors. The initial setup of the journal is exceptionally organized and neat, showing great care and attention to detail.
Proficient
3 PointsThe weather journal cover is decorated with relevant weather symbols. The initial setup of the journal is organized and neat.
Developing
2 PointsThe weather journal cover has some weather-related decorations, but may lack detail or relevance. The initial setup of the journal is partially organized.
Beginning
1 PointsThe weather journal cover has minimal to no decoration. The initial setup of the journal is disorganized and incomplete.
Weather Observation Chart
Evaluates the student's ability to create and use a weather observation chart.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe weather observation chart includes all required elements (date, weather type, temperature, drawings) and is consistently and accurately used to record daily weather observations with detailed drawings and descriptions.
Proficient
3 PointsThe weather observation chart includes all required elements and is used to record daily weather observations with appropriate drawings.
Developing
2 PointsThe weather observation chart includes most of the required elements, but may have inconsistencies in recording daily weather observations.
Beginning
1 PointsThe weather observation chart is incomplete and lacks several required elements. Daily weather observations are minimal or missing.
The Weather Symbols Decoder
Assesses the student's understanding and use of weather symbols.Weather Symbol Identification
Evaluates the student's ability to correctly identify and draw weather symbols.
Exemplary
4 PointsStudent accurately identifies and draws all weather symbols with clear distinction and understanding of each symbol's meaning, and can use these symbols proficiently in journal entries.
Proficient
3 PointsStudent accurately identifies and draws most weather symbols with a good understanding of their meaning.
Developing
2 PointsStudent identifies and draws some weather symbols, but struggles with accuracy or understanding of their meaning.
Beginning
1 PointsStudent struggles to identify and draw weather symbols and demonstrates limited understanding of their meaning.
Weather Symbol Decoder Sheet
Evaluates the completeness and accuracy of the Weather Symbol Decoder sheet.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe Weather Symbol Decoder sheet is complete, accurate, and neatly organized, with each symbol clearly labeled and easily understandable. The student uses the decoder sheet effectively to enhance journal entries and demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of weather representation.
Proficient
3 PointsThe Weather Symbol Decoder sheet is complete and accurate, with each symbol clearly labeled.
Developing
2 PointsThe Weather Symbol Decoder sheet is mostly complete, but may have some inaccuracies or missing labels.
Beginning
1 PointsThe Weather Symbol Decoder sheet is incomplete and contains inaccuracies or missing labels.
Temperature Tracker: Hot or Cold?
Assesses the student's understanding of temperature concepts and ability to record temperature observations.Temperature Scale Creation
Evaluates the student's ability to create a temperature scale in their weather journal.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe temperature scale is accurately created and labeled with clear distinctions between hot, warm, cool, and cold, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of temperature ranges and their impact on daily weather. The scale is effectively used to record and interpret temperature observations with detailed descriptors.
Proficient
3 PointsThe temperature scale is accurately created and labeled with hot, warm, cool, and cold.
Developing
2 PointsThe temperature scale is partially complete, but may have inaccuracies in labeling or temperature ranges.
Beginning
1 PointsThe temperature scale is incomplete or inaccurate, lacking clear labels or appropriate temperature ranges.
Temperature Observation Recording
Evaluates the student's ability to record daily temperature observations.
Exemplary
4 PointsStudent consistently and accurately records daily temperature observations in the correct category (hot, warm, cool, cold) and provides insightful descriptions or explanations of how the temperature affects daily activities or personal feelings, demonstrating a deep connection between temperature and lived experiences.
Proficient
3 PointsStudent consistently records daily temperature observations in the correct category (hot, warm, cool, cold).
Developing
2 PointsStudent records daily temperature observations, but may have occasional inaccuracies in categorization.
Beginning
1 PointsStudent inconsistently records daily temperature observations and struggles with accurate categorization.
Season Sorters: What's the Season?
Assesses the student's understanding of the four seasons and their associated weather conditions and activities.Season Sorter Chart Creation
Evaluates the completeness and organization of the Season Sorter chart.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe 'Season Sorter' chart is exceptionally well-organized and visually appealing, with clear and accurate columns for each season, enhancing the understanding and engagement of seasonal concepts. The chart is not only complete but also creatively designed, making it easy to sort and reference information.
Proficient
3 PointsThe 'Season Sorter' chart is complete and well-organized with clear columns for each season.
Developing
2 PointsThe 'Season Sorter' chart is mostly complete, but may lack organization or clear columns for each season.
Beginning
1 PointsThe 'Season Sorter' chart is incomplete and lacks clear organization or columns for each season.
Card Sorting Accuracy
Evaluates the student's ability to correctly sort weather conditions, activities, and holidays into the appropriate season.
Exemplary
4 PointsStudent accurately sorts all weather conditions, activities, and holidays into the correct season columns, demonstrating a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of each season's unique characteristics. The sorting is not only correct but also shows an ability to explain why each item belongs to its respective season.
Proficient
3 PointsStudent accurately sorts most weather conditions, activities, and holidays into the correct season columns.
Developing
2 PointsStudent sorts some weather conditions, activities, and holidays into the correct season columns, but may have some inaccuracies.
Beginning
1 PointsStudent struggles to sort weather conditions, activities, and holidays into the correct season columns and demonstrates limited understanding of seasonal characteristics.
Predict-a-Weather: Becoming a Junior Forecaster
Assesses the student's ability to make simple weather predictions based on their observations.Prediction Recording
Evaluates the student's ability to record daily weather predictions in their weather journal.
Exemplary
4 PointsStudent consistently records daily weather predictions that are detailed and insightful, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of weather patterns and influences. Predictions go beyond simple statements to include possible impacts on daily life or activities, and demonstrate the ability to connect past observations with future possibilities.
Proficient
3 PointsStudent consistently records daily weather predictions in their weather journal.
Developing
2 PointsStudent records weather predictions, but may do so inconsistently or with limited detail.
Beginning
1 PointsStudent struggles to record weather predictions consistently and provides minimal details.
Prediction Accuracy and Reasoning
Evaluates the accuracy of the student's weather predictions and their ability to provide reasoning for their forecasts.
Exemplary
4 PointsStudent’s weather predictions are frequently accurate, and the reasoning provided demonstrates an advanced understanding of weather patterns and influences, with clear connections made between past observations and future predictions. Explanations are detailed and thoughtful, revealing a deep engagement with the process of weather forecasting.
Proficient
3 PointsStudent's weather predictions are often accurate, and the reasoning provided is logical and based on their observations.
Developing
2 PointsStudent's weather predictions are sometimes accurate, but the reasoning provided may be unclear or inconsistent.
Beginning
1 PointsStudent's weather predictions are rarely accurate, and the reasoning provided is minimal or missing.