This is lesson is planned as an ongoing lesson throughout the year observing weather and seasonal patterns
Introduction to Ireland’s Geography:
Show a map of Ireland.
Discuss Ireland’s location in the world (situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain).
Explain how its location affects its weather.
Understanding Weather:
Explain what weather is (conditions like sunshine, rain, wind, and temperature at a particular time and place).
Introduce common weather terms: sunny, rainy, cloudy, windy, snowy.
Ireland’s Climate:
Explain that Ireland has a temperate maritime climate, meaning it generally has mild temperatures and is often wet and windy.
Describe the four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter) and how they affect the weather in Ireland.
Seasonal Weather Patterns:
Spring (March to May): Milder temperatures, often wet.
Summer (June to August): Warmest season, but still rainy, average temperature around 15-20°C.
Autumn (September to November): Cooler, frequent rain and wind.
Winter (December to February): Coldest season, can be rainy or snowy, average temperature around 4-7°C.
Weather Symbols Activity:
Show different weather symbols and what they represent.
Hand out coloring materials and ask students to color in different weather symbols.
Weather Diary:
Give each student a weather diary template.
Explain how they will record the weather for one week, noting temperature, type of weather, and drawing the appropriate symbol.
Fun Facts about Irish Weather:
Ireland can experience four seasons in one day.
The west of Ireland is typically wetter than the east.
Discuss how the Atlantic Ocean influences Ireland’s weather.
Interactive Discussion:
Ask students to share their experiences with different types of weather.
Discuss how weather affects daily life (clothing, activities, etc.).
Conclusion:
Recap the key points about Ireland’s weather.
Answer any remaining questions.
Activities:
Weather Map Coloring: Provide students with a blank map of Ireland and ask them to draw weather symbols where they think it’s usually wet, windy, sunny, etc.
Weather Diary: Each student will take home a weather diary template and fill it out over the week, then share their findings in the next class.
Assessment:
Participation in discussions and activities.
Completion and presentation of the weather diary.
Correct use of weather symbols and understanding of weather patterns.