K-ESS3-2
The standard
Ask questions to obtain information about the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather.
Next Generation Science Standards
What this standard means
Kindergarten students need to ask simple questions about weather reports and use answers to explain why people check the forecast. They should connect local severe weather, like thunderstorms, heavy snow, high winds, or extreme heat, to choices people make to stay safe.
Mastery looks like a child saying, “I would ask if a storm is coming so I know to stay inside.” Students often get stuck naming weather words but not explaining the purpose of a forecast. They may also confuse everyday weather with severe weather, or focus only on clothing instead of safety actions.
Ways to teach it
- Set up a pretend weather station with picture cards, then have students choose safety items for a forecasted storm.
- Ask, “What question would you ask a weather reporter before recess or dismissal?” and have students draw their answer.
- Show three forecast pictures, then ask students to point to the one that means the class should change plans.
- Look at a local weather alert screenshot and discuss what families might do before school, play, or travel.
Plan a lesson for K-ESS3-2
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related standards
- K-ESS2-1
Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.
- MS-ESS2-5
Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses results in changes in weather conditions.
- MS-ESS3-2
Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects.
- 3-ESS2-1
Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.