Lesson Plan: Observing Environmental Changes

Subject: Science

Year Level: Year 2

Duration: 45 minutes

Number of Students: 24

This lesson plan is designed to align with the New Zealand Curriculum for Year 2 students. It focuses on Science, particularly on the Living World strand, and encourages students to explore and understand their immediate environment by observing changes such as weather patterns, leaf colors, and the cooler air of autumn.

Curriculum Links:

- Science - Living World
- Level 1: Students can recognise that living things are suited to their particular habitat.
- Strand: Participation and Contribution (link to the NZ Curriculum - Science)

Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Identify and describe basic changes in the weather and seasonal variations.
2. Observe and record the changes in leaf color and discuss their findings.
3. Relate the temperature changes to the concept of seasons, focusing on autumn.

Materials Needed:

- Weather and seasons chart
- Leaf color chart
- Thermometers
- Observation journals (one per student)
- Digital cameras or devices for taking pictures (optional)
- Colour pencils and crayons

Lesson Outline:

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Engage and Explore:
- Begin with a short discussion on what students have noticed about the weather and environment lately. Ask probing questions like “Have you noticed any changes in the trees or temperature when you come to school?”
- Introduce the concept of seasons, focusing on autumn. Explain how changes in weather, plant life, and temperatures are connected to seasonal changes.

Activity Part 1: Weather Observation (10 minutes)

2. Instructions for Weather Chart:
- Show the weather and seasons chart.
- Take the students outside (if weather permits) or to a window.
- Ask them to observe the current weather and discuss the observed weather patterns.
- Students will mark today’s weather on the classroom weather chart.

Activity Part 2: Leaf Observation (15 minutes)

3. Exploring Leaf Changes:
- Provide each student with a leaf color chart.
- If possible, take students outside to collect different coloured leaves.
- Back in the classroom, ask students to compare the leaves with the chart and record their observations in their journals.

Conclusion and Discussion (10 minutes)

4. Reflect and Share:
- Gather the students and discuss their findings. Ask them how the changes in leaf color might relate to the weather patterns and seasons.
- Highlight why leaves change color during autumn and the role of cooler temperatures.

Assessment:

- Formative Assessment: Observe student participation during discussions and their ability to identify weather patterns and leaf colors correctly.
- Journal Entries: Review the students' recorded observations and drawings for understanding of the seasonal changes and their impact.

Extensions:

- Encourage students to maintain an observation journal at home, noting daily weather patterns and other environmental changes.
- Plan a follow-up activity where students can discuss how animals prepare for winter in New Zealand.

Links for Further Learning:

- NZ Curriculum Online – Science
- Te Ara Encyclopedia – Climate and Weather

This detailed plan is intended to help Year 2 students become more observant and curious about the natural changes occurring in their environment, fostering a deeper understanding of the world they live in.