Weather Lesson Plan

Engage

The Engage session activates students’ prior knowledge of weather and extreme weather conditions. In this session, students use their digital Notebooks to record their thoughts and then watch an animated video that gets them thinking about the topic. Students also participate in a teacher-led discussion of weather and the things that might be needed during times of extreme weather. To complete the session, students collaborate with peers offline and continue to unpack their prior knowledge.

Explore

The Explore session promotes interest in and curiosity about weather and the clothes and gear needed for different types of weather. In this session, students “dress” a character appropriately for the weather. Students also participate in a teacher-led discussion that encourages them to wonder about the different things that are needed for different weather conditions. To complete the session, students work collaboratively offline to further explore different types of weather.

Explain

The Explain session mixes animation with real-life video clips to provide a clear and concise description of weather, the tools used to observe and measure weather, and an overview of how weather is forecasted. Students are also encouraged to express their understanding in their own words as they participate in teacher-led discussions. To complete the session, students participate in an offline activity that allows them to demonstrate mastery of the content.

Weather Report

This Elaborate session promotes the use of formal definitions and explanations in a format not traditionally used in science instruction. In this session, students view an animated literature piece about weather forecasting, then sort weather terms in their Notebook. Students also participate in a teacher-led discussion that emphasizes the science content. To complete the session, students participate in offline activities that reinforce the connection between science, literature, and the arts.

Talking Science

This Elaborate session allows students to practice and apply new terminology related to the module content. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on vocabulary and content understanding. To complete the session, students work independently, or with peers, to complete an offline activity.

Memory Match

This Elaborate session allows students to apply what they have learned to new situations. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on science process skills and content understanding. To complete the session, students work independently, or with peers, to complete an offline activity that reinforces science process skills.

Infer and Predict

This Elaborate session allows students to apply what they have learned to new situations. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on science process skills and content understanding. To complete the session, students work independently, or with peers, to complete an offline activity that reinforces science process skills.

SillyBulls

This Elaborate session allows students to practice and apply new terminology related to observing, describing, and measuring weather. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on the content vocabulary addressed throughout the module. To complete the session, students work independently, or with peers, to complete an offline activity that reinforces literacy skills.

Alphabetize

This Elaborate session allows students to practice and apply new terminology related to observing, describing, and measuring weather. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on the content vocabulary addressed throughout the module. To complete the session, students work independently, or with peers, to complete an offline activity that reinforces literacy skills.

Investigate

This Elaborate session encourages students to extend their understanding of the concept as they apply science process skills. In this session, students investigate the water cycle as they change variables and make observations. Students then participate in a teacher-led discussion that wraps up the online Investigate. To complete the session, students will work collaboratively as they participate in an offline hands-on investigation.

Take a Note

This Elaborate session allows students to apply what they have learned to new situations. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on science process skills and content understanding. To complete the session, students work independently, or with peers, to complete an offline activity that reinforces science process skills.

Evaluate

The Evaluate session reviews and assesses students’ knowledge of the content covered in the module. In this session, students participate in a teacher-led review of all concepts covered. Then, students complete an online assessment to measure their progress toward learning goals. Offline evaluations are available and can be used as needed.'