[Ailbhe Nic Caba]

Activity 1: Weather vs Climate

In the infant classroom, weather is typically taught as a daily concept during morning meetings. Children observe the immediate weather byh looking out the window and deciphering the weather as it stands in that moment. It often leads to rich discussion about how weather is interchangeable from how it was initially that morning vs. now and comparing day by day. Climate can be explained by linking to children’s understanding of climate and the typical weather experienced on a constant basis in their home nation (ireland) while ccomparing to a country they might have travelled to on summer holidays.

Activity 2: Weather Detectives:

This activity offers an opportunity to practice key STEM skills and concepts through daily practical investigation where the children take ownership of the learning. Children could read & record daily temperature readings at the same time and place, learning how to collect reliable data. This could be carried out across the school year to compare weather throughout the seasons. A junior class could identify patterns & place data on graphs using pictorial approaches. Older classes could link with Maths skills through the Data strand. Children may need to be supported in reading the temperature with lots of practice within the class or by asking an SNA or older child to support the activity when reading outside.

 

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