The Seasons - Lesson Plan

The lesson plan "The Seasons" is designed to engage pupils in a variety of activities that help them understand the cyclical nature of the seasons and the characteristics associated with each one. The objectives of the lesson are for pupils to be able to name all four seasons, arrange them in sequence starting from any point, and describe typical seasonal features such as the heat in summer and shorter days in winter. To facilitate this learning, pupils will participate in activities that involve making observations, studying patterns, and discussing similarities and differences. They will also work in teams and use tools to carry out experiments and record their findings. The lesson aims to lay the groundwork for future learning in Year 1, where students will delve deeper into observing seasonal changes and related weather patterns.

During the lesson, pupils will engage in hands-on activities that include a card match game to associate different characteristics with each season, and an experiment called "Stop Me Melting!" where they will wrap ice cubes in various materials to observe which one melts the fastest. This experiment not only teaches about the properties of materials but also the concept of heat transfer. Additionally, they will use thermometers to measure and compare temperatures and learn about the effects of substances like salt on melting ice through the "Make Me Melt!" activity. The lesson is designed to correct common misconceptions, such as the belief that it never rains in summer or that the sun is not dangerous in winter. With cross-curricular links to English, Art, and Maths, and a focus on health and safety, this lesson plan provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the seasons and the science behind them.