Weather Affects Forest: Weather, Seasons, and Life in the Woods (3-4)
Most Prevalent Themes:
ELA (Grades 3–4):
Students strengthen communication and science literacy skills through collaborative discussions, asking and answering questions, recording field observations, using evidence to support explanations, and developing vocabulary related to weather, climate, and ecosystems.
Connections: SL.3–4.1 • W.3–4.8
NGSS (Grades 3–4):
Students investigate weather and microclimates, collect and analyze field data, and explore how environmental conditions affect plants and animals. They use observations and evidence to explain patterns, adaptations, and responses to environmental change.
Connections: 3-ESS2-1 • 3-LS4-3 • 3-LS4-4 • 4-LS1-1
Audience:
Grades 3 -4
Duration:
2 ½ hours
Description
At Great Mountain Forest, students explore how weather shapes life in the forest through hands-on scientific investigations and seasonal observations. Using real weather instruments, students compare microclimates between meadow and forest habitats, observe signs of seasonal change, and discover how plants and animals respond to weather patterns throughout the year. Through phenology walks, tree-ring investigations, games, literature connections, and a guided visit to the historic GMF Weather Station, students develop a deeper understanding of the relationships between weather, climate, and healthy forest ecosystems. This immersive outdoor experience encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship while helping students see the forest as a dynamic living system.
Learning Intentions:
By the end of the session, students will be able to:
- Utilize simple weather instruments to make comparisons of two microclimates.
- Make observations of seasonal changes in the forest.
- Use tree cookies to observe weather patterns year to year in a tree’s life.
- Make predictions about how various weather change scenarios will affect aspects of life in the forest.
