Extreme Weather Wonders

Year Level

Foundation (Kindergarten)

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

6 students

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Lesson Context

This is Lesson 7 of 8 in the unit Weather Wonders Unveiled.
Students will explore different types of extreme weather events common in Australia, including storms, floods, and heatwaves. The focus is on understanding what these extreme events are, how they affect people and the environment, and what safety measures we can take.

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Australian Curriculum Alignment

Content Descriptions (Science - Foundation)

• AC9SFI01: Pose questions and make predictions based on experiences
• AC9SFI02: Engage in investigations safely and make observations using their senses
• AC9SFH01: Explore the ways people make and use observations and questions to learn about the natural world
• AC9SFI04: Compare observations with predictions with guidance

General Capabilities

• Critical and Creative Thinking - posing questions, making predictions
• Personal and Social Capability - understanding safety, respecting community

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

• WALT: Identify types of extreme weather events such as storms, floods and heatwaves.
• WALT: Discuss how these events affect people, animals, and the environment.
• WALT: Understand and explain simple safety measures to use during these extreme weather events.

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Success Criteria

Students will be able to:

• Name at least two types of extreme weather events.
• Describe one way these events can affect people, animals, or the environment.
• Demonstrate understanding of at least one safety measure for an extreme weather event.
• Participate actively in observing, predicting, and discussing weather-related phenomena.

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Resources Needed

• Picture cards or illustrated storybooks showing storms, floods, heatwaves
• Safety gear props (e.g. sunscreen, hat, umbrella, raincoat)
• Large poster paper and markers
• Simple “weather safety” checklist template
• Digital tablet or whiteboard for showing short weather videos or images
• Observation sheet with pictures for matching activities

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Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Description	Differentiation & Extension
5 min	Introduction & WALT	- Introduce the lesson theme with key questions: "What happens during a storm?" "Have you heard of floods or heatwaves?" - Display pictures of extreme weather. - State WALT and success criteria clearly.	Use simple language; visual aids for students with lower language skills.
10 min	Story Time / Visual Exploration	- Read a short illustrated story or show a video featuring extreme weather events in Australia. E.g. storm causing wind and rain, flood waters, heatwave with sun beating down. - Pause to ask predictive questions: “What do you think will happen next?”	Pause frequently; encourage predictions from all students. Advanced learners can suggest causes or effects.
15 min	Matching Game: Weather and Safety	- Children match picture cards of extreme weather with props/safety items (e.g. matching heatwave with sunscreen, storm with umbrella). - Discuss why each safety item is important.	Provide extra assistance for students needing support. Extension: Students share their own safety tips or experiences with such weather.
10 min	Group Discussion and Chart Making	- On a large poster, create a chart together listing: • Types of extreme weather • Effects on people, animals, environment • Safety tips for each event. - Guide children to contribute ideas verbally or by drawing.	Use speech-to-text technology for students with fine motor difficulties. Encourage more detailed ideas for advanced learners.
10 min	Guided Observation and Prediction	- Use a prepared observation sheet with images. - Guide students to predict what might happen in certain weather situations. - Compare predictions to real outcomes discussed earlier.	Pair EAL/D or speech-delayed students with peers. Higher ability students can write or dictate longer explanations.
5 min	Conclusion & Reflection	- Recap key ideas. - Students share one thing they learned or one safety rule they will remember. - Reinforce importance of safety during extreme weather.	Use sentence starters for those needing language support: "I learnt that...".

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Differentiation Strategies

• For diverse learners: Use visual aids, real objects, simplified language, repeated instructions. Offer one-on-one support during group activities.
• For students with additional needs: Allow extra time, use assistive technology (e.g., tablets with voice output), and pair with buddy helpers.
• EAL/D students: Provide vocabulary cards, use gestures and visual storytelling, encourage peer modelling.
• Gifted and advanced students: Encourage deeper questions such as “Why do some places get more storms than others?” or “How do people prepare homes for floods?”

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Extension Activities

• Create a “Weather Safety Poster” for display showing a chosen extreme weather event and safety tips.
• Role-play an emergency drill for an extreme weather event (e.g., what to do in a storm or heatwave).
• Use simple weather instruments (thermometer, rain gauge) to start collecting classroom weather data.
• Investigate stories or knowledge from First Nations Australians about how they observe weather and warnings in their environment (age appropriate).

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observation of students’ participation and contribution during discussions and activities.
• Review of students’ ability to identify weather events and associated safety measures through their matching game and chart contributions.
• Oral sharing during reflection — check for understanding and vocabulary use aligned to learning objectives.

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This lesson plan intentionally fosters inquiry, observation, safety awareness and respect for environment and community, much needed in early science education for Foundation students, while aligning closely with Australian Curriculum standards and expectations for this age group.