Earth Hour: All types of weather - Year 1 & 2

Activity Introduction

Quick summary: In this activity students are introduced to the topic of weather. Students begin by watching a short clip about weather and identifying the types of weather present in the video and those that are absent. Students then use photos from the Cool Australia Toolbox to create a poster or montage about weather.

earth-hour-160x160

This activity has been created in partnership with WWF-Australia. Earth Hour is the world’s largest community-driven climate change campaign. At the centre of Earth Hour is switching off lights to show a commitment to taking action. Thousands of teachers use Earth Hour’s education program to enrich their curriculum and provide pathways for young people to create change in their world.

For the most up to date Earth Hour dates, times, and events, check here.

Learning goals:

Students recognise a range of different weather types.
Student recognise the ways that weather can affect our environment.

General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking.

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.1.

Australian Curriculum content description:

Year 1 Science

Observable changes occur in the sky and landscape (ACSSU019)
Represent and communicate observations and ideas in a variety of ways such as oral and written language, drawing and role play (ACSIS029)

Year 2 Science

Science involves asking questions about, and describing changes in, objects and events (ACSHE034)
Represent and communicate observations and ideas in a variety of ways such as oral and written language, drawing and role play (ACSIS042)

Syllabus Outcomes: ST1-4WS, ST1-8ES.

Topic: Climate change

Time required: 60 mins

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate discussion and oversee activity.

Resources required: Internet access, student worksheet, access to printer.

Digital technology opportunities: Searching for and downloading images from the Cool Australia Digital Toolbox, digital sharing capabilities.

Homework and extension opportunities: Includes opportunities for extension.

Keywords: Weather, animals, plants, photos.

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.

Worksheets

Teacher Worksheet

Teacher preparation:

Overarching learning goal: In this activity students are introduced to the topic of weather. They identify a range of different weather types and recognise how the weather affects our environment.

Teacher content information:

About Earth Hour: Earth Hour is a WWF-Australia initiative, and is the world’s largest community-driven climate change campaign. At the centre of Earth Hour is switching off lights to show a commitment to taking action. Thousands of teachers use Earth Hour’s education program to enrich their curriculum and provide pathways for young people to create change in their world.

Download the Earth Hour starter kit for your school: Earth Hour for Schools

NOTE: While climate change is a complex concept with science that is beyond the reach of most young children, students in years 1 and 2 can still engage with the topic by exploring the topic of weather and its impact on plants, animals and humans.

Student and classroom organisation:

Step 1. Beg

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Student Worksheet

Thought starter: Why is it colder at night than during the day?

Watch this video about weather:

Cummulus & Nimbus (https://vimeo.com/38514156)

What types of weather did you see in the video? Write them here:

What types of weather were missing from the video? Write them here:

Assessment/Reflection

What is the strangest weather you have ever experienced? Write about it here:

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Activity: Earth Hour: All types of weather – Year 1 & 2

Activity Introduction