Unit Study: Kindergarten Weather Wonders

Age and Grade Requirements

• Age: 5-6 years old
• Grade: Kindergarten

Goals

By the end of this unit study, students will be able to:

1. Identify and name different types of weather conditions.
2. Understand the factors that influence weather patterns.
3. Develop observation skills through weather tracking.
4. Enhance creativity through weather-themed arts and crafts activities.
5. Gain exposure to basic concepts of science, geography, and safety related to weather.

Schedule (5 Days)

Day 1: Introduction to Weather

• Introduction to the concept of weather and its impact on daily life
• Identify and discuss different weather conditions (e.g., sunny, rainy, windy)
• Arts and crafts: Create a “Weather Wheel” with movable arrow indicating different weather types

Day 2: Exploring Seasons and Weather

• Focus on seasons: Discuss how different seasons bring different types of weather
• Learn about typical weather patterns in each season
• Science activity: Sort and match weather cards to the appropriate season

Day 3: Clouds and Rain

• Focus on clouds and rain: Discuss cloud types and the water cycle
• Learn about the process of rain formation and precipitation
• Arts and crafts: Create a “Cloud Mobile” with different types of clouds

Day 4: Wind and Weather Tools

• Explore wind: Discuss how wind is created and its effects on weather
• Introduce basic weather tools (thermometer, wind vane) and their uses
• Reading a related storybook

Day 5: Extreme Weather and Safety

• Discuss extreme weather conditions (e.g., thunderstorms, snowstorms)
• Learn about safety measures during different weather events
• Culmination activity: Create a class “Weather Safety Poster” with safety tips and visuals

Recommended Books (with Amazon Links)

1. “What Will the Weather Be Like Today?” by Paul Rogers Amazon Link
2. “Cloudette” by Tom Lichtenheld Amazon Link
3. “The Wind Blew” by Pat Hutchins Amazon Link

Recommended Video Links

1. SciShow Kids: “All About Weather” YouTube Link
2. Peppa Pig: “Peppa and George’s Weather Adventure” YouTube Link
3. Super Simple Songs: “What’s the Weather Like Today?” YouTube Link

Arts and Crafts Activity

Create a “Cloud Mobile”: Provide materials for students to create different types of clouds and hang them from a mobile.

Science Activity

“Sort the Seasons”: Have students match weather cards (e.g., sunny, snowy) to the appropriate season.

Culmination Activity

Create a class “Weather Safety Poster” where students contribute safety tips and visuals related to different weather conditions.

Bible Connection

Explore biblical references to weather phenomena, such as the story of Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6-9) and Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41), discussing the lessons that can be drawn from these narratives about trust and reliance on God even in challenging weather conditions.