How Does the Planet Work?
Lesson Plans
GradesK, 1, 2Science
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Suzie Hicks the Climate Chick & Sprout
What it is
- In this lesson from Suzie Hicks the Climate Chick & Sprout, students learn that the climate is the pattern of weather and temperature we have over time, and that the atmosphere acts like a blanket around the Earth to make the temperature just right for life.
- Students engage in play with a parachute to visualize weather events and the atmosphere, watch a short video about what makes Earth a Goldilocks planet, and play pin the blanket on the Goldilocks planet.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This lesson explains fundamental science concepts in ways that young learners can access.
- Students engage in different kinds of learning activities in this well-paced lesson.
Prerequisites
- The lesson does not provide a link to the video needed for the main lesson. You can find the video on YouTube here.
- The lesson does not provide the printables needed for the lesson. You can find them here.
- Materials required: blanket or big sheet, markers, tape, cotton wool, scissors, glue, and blindfold. For the blanket or big sheet, it may be best to see if your PE department has a parachute you can borrow.
- It may be helpful to review the story of Goldilocks before teaching the lesson, as some students may not know it.
Differentiation & Implementation
- This is the first lesson in a series to teach young learners about climate change.
- The lesson includes ways to differentiate the "pin the blanket on the Goldilocks planet" activity for different grade levels.
- Key vocabulary and definitions are included in the lesson. Teachers can use the included glossary for word work, pre-teaching the vocabulary, or creating a word wall.
- The lesson includes discussion prompts to engage students.
From the scientist review
Students can learn about the fundamentals of climate change, important climatic factors, seasonal variations in the earth system, and the functioning of the world with this resource. To learn more about why the Earth is a "Goldilocks" planet—where the climate is perfect for life—they also contrast it with other planets in the solar system. Teaching with this resource is advised.
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