Unit:

Grade: Kindergarten Science
Unit: Seasons

Focus:

BCPS Science Indicators:

• Observe and explore seasonal changes in the environment to describe characteristics and relationships
• Observe features of the weather to explain its effect on daily life

 BCPS Technology Indicators:

• Access, evaluate, and manage electronic information for a specific purpose 
• Create computer-generated products to communicate ideas

 BCPS Art Indicators:

• Experiment with art tools to make art expressions in a variety of settings

 BCPS Writing Indicators:

• Speak to inform, persuade, and express personal ideas

 BCPS Library Media Indicators:

• Participate in literary experiences
• Select from a variety of literature forms, genres, and themes
• Demonstrate appropriate care, safe operation, and handling of materials and equipment
• Identify the characteristics of print and nonprint media and related equipment to effectively select and use library resources
• Use study skills in order to complete tasks, monitor success, and record and restructure information

Setting the Scenario:

Students will read the introductory page:

"What part of winter do you like the best? Is it the yummy hot chocolate you drink? Is it the warm, fuzzy sweater you wear? Or is it the snow?

Some people love the snow. They think it is pretty and fun. Other people don't like the snow. They think that it is too messy and cold.

How do you feel about snow? How does it change your life? What should you know about snow?"

Students can explore some online poems to find out how other children feel about snow.

 Tasks and Products:

Assessments:

• Snowflake self-portrait (Craft Rubric)
• Poster showing my relationship with winter (Poster Rubric)
• Learning Log (Log Template)

Essential
Questions:

• How do I feel about snow?
• How does winter change my daily life?

Gathering Information:

Students will be guided through the following activities:

• Using a graphic organizer (our "flurry of ideas") to asses prior knowledge
• Exploring library resources to learn more about snow and adding to the graphic organizer
• Reading the book Snowflake Bentley to add to our knowledge and literary experience and expanding the graphic organizer
• Exploring related websites to add to our knowledge and continuing to expand the graphic organizer

Synthesizing:

Students will sort, evaluate, and synthesize the information they have gathered in order to:

• Create the Snowflake Self-Portrait
• Create the Winter Life Posters
• Create the Snow Museum

Conclusion:

When students share their projects, they will demonstrate enduring understanding of the following concepts:

• Snow, an aspect of winter weather, plays an important role in our lives by affecting our habits, activities, and feelings.
• We each develop a unique personal relationship with seasons.