Phenology and the Weatherguide Calendar--An Introduction
Summary
In this introductory activity, students are introduced to the topic and phenology and to the Weatherguide calendar. The skill of observation is emphasized and modeled.
CollapseLearning Goals
Students will understand that everybody can use evidence to learn about the natural world and identify patterns in nature, using the skill of observation.
Context for Use
Appropriate for 3rd-5th grades in a large group setting. This is an introduction to phenology and the Weatherguide calendar, but should be preceded by lessons on scientific observations.
Description and Teaching Materials
Resources:
Book---I Saw a Moose Today (Anne Stewart, MN author)
Book---The Four Seasons (Suzanne Slade)
Minnesota Weatherguide Environment Calendar
Journal page: Phenology (see attachement)
Autumn leaf or other natural object that shows seasonal change.
Methodology:
Read aloud I Saw a Moose, discussing imaginary and real observations. All creatures in the book are found in MN, but may not be in students' backyards. Discuss what they can observe. Introduce topic of phenology using journal page. Show and discuss autumn leaves and fill out journal page together. Discuss other seasonal changes. Introduce Weatherguide calendar and read week appropriate phenological changes from calendar. May also read book on Four Seasons. Go for nature walk, looking for seasonal changes.
Book---I Saw a Moose Today (Anne Stewart, MN author)
Book---The Four Seasons (Suzanne Slade)
Minnesota Weatherguide Environment Calendar
Journal page: Phenology (see attachement)
Autumn leaf or other natural object that shows seasonal change.
Methodology:
Read aloud I Saw a Moose, discussing imaginary and real observations. All creatures in the book are found in MN, but may not be in students' backyards. Discuss what they can observe. Introduce topic of phenology using journal page. Show and discuss autumn leaves and fill out journal page together. Discuss other seasonal changes. Introduce Weatherguide calendar and read week appropriate phenological changes from calendar. May also read book on Four Seasons. Go for nature walk, looking for seasonal changes.
Teaching Notes and Tips
This activity could involve a lot of sitting, so be sure to intersperse movement activities.
Assessment
Phenology page can be used as is, with more sheets distributed as needed, or may serve just as a guide for students to make their own phenology pages in their science notebooks. Designate one day a week as Phenology Day. Collect students' notebooks 2 times per term to check observational recording.
Standards
Science standard, The Nature and Science and Engineering 3.1.1.2.1 Generate questions that can be answered when scientific knowledge is combined with knowledge garined from one's own observations or investigations
3.1.1.2.3 Maintain a record of observations, procedures and explanations, being careful to distinguish between actual observations and ideas about what was observed
3.1.3.2.1 Understand that everybody can use evidence to learn about the natural world, identify patterns in nature, and develop tools.
Language Arts grade 4,I.B.1 Vocabulary Expansion
3.1.1.2.3 Maintain a record of observations, procedures and explanations, being careful to distinguish between actual observations and ideas about what was observed
3.1.3.2.1 Understand that everybody can use evidence to learn about the natural world, identify patterns in nature, and develop tools.
Language Arts grade 4,I.B.1 Vocabulary Expansion