Exploring Australian Weather

Year 6 Science Lesson Plan

Duration: 35 minutes
Class Size: 12 students
Australian Curriculum Links:

• Science Understanding: Earth and Space Sciences – Sudden geological changes or extreme weather conditions can affect Earth’s surface (ACSSU096).
• Science as a Human Endeavour: Use and influence of science – Scientific knowledge is used to solve problems and inform personal and community decisions (ACSHE100).

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand the key features of Australia’s diverse weather patterns (e.g. cyclones, droughts, bushfires).
2. Recognise how extreme weather impacts the environment, animals, and humans in Australia.
3. Experiment with creating and measuring a mini weather system using hands-on activities to reinforce weather concepts.

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Materials Needed

1. Clear glass jar with lid (2 jars for each group).
2. Boiling water (supervised by the teacher beforehand).
3. Ice cubes.
4. Aerosol spray (e.g. deodorant).
5. Laminated map of Australia.
6. Whiteboard or large chart for brainstorming.
7. Markers and small sticky notes.

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Lesson Plan

Introduction – Australia’s Unique Weather (5 minutes)

1. Engage the students: Begin with the question:

   • “What type of weather do you think of when you hear the word ‘Australia’?”
     Record students' responses on the whiteboard under categories like Rainfall, Heat, Wind, Storms.

2. Interactive Map Activity:
   Using the laminated map of Australia, discuss the weather diversity across regions:

   • Tropical cyclones in Queensland.
   • Drought in the outback.
   • Bushfires in Victoria.
   • Snow in Tasmania.
     Encourage students to use sticky notes to label different weather events on the map.

3. Summarise Australia’s unique position surrounded by oceans and varying climates.

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Body – Hands-On Activity: Making a Cloud (20 minutes)

Students will create their own weather system in small groups of 3 (12 students = 4 groups).

Step 1: Preparation (5 minutes)

• Give each group 2 clear jars, ice cubes, boiling water, and a can of aerosol spray.
• Pose a question to the class:
  • “What do you think clouds are made of? How do they form?”
• Introduce the concept of condensation and its role in weather patterns.

Step 2: Experiment (10 minutes)

1. Fill Jar 1:

   • Pour 3 cm of boiling water into Jar 1.
     (Teacher supervises handing out the pre-boiled water directly to each group.)

2. Trap the Ice Layer:

   • Place the lid upside-down on the jar and rest ice cubes on top of the lid.

3. Spray and Watch:

   • Lift the lid briefly to spray a small squirt of the aerosol into the jar, then quickly replace the lid.
   • Watch as a cloud forms!

4. Repeat for Jar 2, but this time without using aerosol spray. Ask: “What’s different?”

Group Discussion:

• Each group will describe what they observed. Highlight the role of tiny dust or aerosol particles in cloud formation.

Scientific Connection:

• Relate the activity to real-world weather: “How do clouds bring rain, storms, or even hailstones across Australian regions?”

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Conclusion – Connecting Weather to Our Lives (10 minutes)

1. Lead a short class discussion using these guiding questions:

   • “How could extreme weather like droughts or cyclones affect your local community?”
   • “What actions do you think humans can take to cope with weather challenges?” E.g., building cyclone-proof houses, water conservation during droughts.

2. Reflection Activity – Making Connections:

   • Ask each group to think of a “Weather Wonder” fact about Australian weather (a fun fact they learned) and share it with the class. Write these on the whiteboard.

3. Quick Debrief:
   Emphasise the importance of understanding weather patterns to stay safe and protect local wildlife and the environment.

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Assessment

1. Participation:
   • Observe student engagement during the hands-on activity and group discussion.
2. Reflection:
   • Evaluate the “Weather Wonder” facts shared by each group for accuracy and creativity.

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Extensions (if time allows or for follow-up lessons)

1. Conduct online research to track real-time Australian weather patterns using local weather apps or charts.
2. Explore Indigenous Australian knowledge of weather and its deep connection to the land.
3. Create an illustrated class weather journal to track weather for a week and discuss patterns.

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Teacher Notes

• Ensure the boiling water is handled only by the teacher or with proper supervision.
• Be mindful of students who may have asthma or sensitivity to aerosol sprays.
• Incorporate Indigenous perspectives on Australia’s seasonal patterns where possible to support a broader understanding of First Nations cultures.

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Outcome

Students will leave the lesson with a hands-on understanding of basic weather processes, the uniqueness of Australian weather, and how extreme conditions impact life in their country. This engaging approach ensures retention of complex scientific concepts while fostering group collaboration and curiosity!