K-ESS2-1
The standard
Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.
Next Generation Science Standards
What this standard means
Students need to notice daily weather, name it with simple words, and record it in a shared way. They should compare days and times, such as morning and afternoon, then use the class data to say what happens often, sometimes, or rarely.
Mastery looks like a child pointing to a weather chart and saying, “We had more sunny days than rainy days this week,” or “It was cooler this morning.” Students often get stuck confusing weather with seasons, using feelings instead of observations, or making claims without checking the class record.
Ways to teach it
- Have students add a picture card to a class weather graph each morning, then count the totals every Friday.
- Ask, “What weather did we see most this week, and how do you know?” and have students answer using the chart.
- Show two weeks of class weather data and ask students to circle which week had more rainy days.
- Connect to recess planning by having students decide if the class needs coats, hats, or indoor recess based on the morning weather.
Plan a lesson for K-ESS2-1
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related standards
- MS-ESS2-5
Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses results in changes in weather conditions.
- 3-ESS2-2
Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world.
- 1-ESS1-1
Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
- 3-ESS2-1
Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.