Grade Level: Grade 1
Duration: 50 Minutes
Subject: Earth Science
Unit Topic: The Four Seasons
1. Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to
- Identify and name the four seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter).
- Describe the characteristics of each season (weather, activities, clothing).
- Explain how day length changes with the seasons.
- Use vocabulary related to seasons and day length in context.
2. Standards Alignment
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Science K-12:- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts.- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.7: Use the illustrations and details in a text to describe its key ideas.- NGSS 1-ESS1-2: Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
3. Instructional Activities and Teaching Strategies
Introduction (5 minutes):- Start with a read-aloud of a picture book about the seasons (e.g., “The Four Seasons” by Mary Lindeen).- Discuss key vocabulary and visuals from the book.
Seasonal Chart Activity (15 minutes):- Create a large four-season chart on the board.- As a class, fill in characteristics of each season, including temperature, activities, and clothing. Use visuals and drawings.
Day Length Exploration (15 minutes):- Introduce a simple demonstration using a globe and a light source (a lamp).- Show how the Earth’s tilt affects day length during different seasons. Allow students to observe and ask questions.
Art and Craft (10 minutes):- Students will create their own seasonal poster. Each student will choose one season to illustrate with pictures and words about that season’s characteristics.- Provide materials like colored paper, markers, and magazines for cutting out images.
Group Discussion (5 minutes):- Allow students to share their posters with a partner, discussing why they chose that season and what they illustrated.- Regroup and ask for volunteers to share their posters with the class.
4. Required Materials and Resources
- Picture book about the seasons
- Large paper or poster board for the seasonal chart
- Markers, crayons, and colored pencils
- Magazines for pictures of seasons
- Globe and lamp for demonstrating day length
- Seasonal poster templates (optional)
5. Assessment Methods
- Formative Assessment: Observe participation during discussions and activities.
- Summative Assessment: Evaluate the seasonal posters based on creativity, understanding of seasonal characteristics, and use of vocabulary. Use a simple rubric with criteria such as completeness, creativity, and effort.
Differentiation Strategies
- For Advanced Learners: Encourage them to research additional facts about their chosen season and present this information.
- For Struggling Learners: Provide templates for the seasonal poster with guided questions to help them express their ideas.
- For English Language Learners: Use visual aids, interactive storytelling, and pair them with a peer for support when discussing their posters.
Timeline
| Activity | Duration |
| Introduction | 5 minutes |
| Seasonal Chart Activity | 15 minutes |
| Day Length Exploration | 15 minutes |
| Art and Craft | 10 minutes |
| Group Discussion | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
Notes:
- This lesson plan aims to engage Grade 1 students in understanding the four seasons and the concept of day length through interactive and hands-on strategies, while also catering to diverse learning needs.