Weather Forecast Fun

Overview

This 60-minute lesson is designed for a Year 3 class (ages 7-8) following the National Curriculum for England. It introduces pupils to weather forecasts and weather symbols through hands-on, creative, and real-life activities that foster understanding of local weather patterns, the significance of meteorology, and the ability to interpret weather symbols.

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National Curriculum Links

Key Stage 2 Geography - Locational Knowledge & Human and Physical Geography:

• Understand key aspects of: physical geography, including climate zones and weather patterns.
• Use maps, atlases and globes, and digital/computer mapping to locate countries and describe features studied.
• Use basic geographical vocabulary to refer to key physical features including weather and climate.

Subject Specific Skills (Geography - Year 3):

• Use fieldwork and observational skills to study the geography of the local area.
• Describe and understand key aspects of physical geography, including weather patterns in the UK.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

1. Identify and explain common weather symbols used in forecasts.
2. Interpret a simple weather forecast using symbols.
3. Describe different types of weather and connect them to their own experiences.
4. Create and deliver a short weather forecast using given symbols.
5. Understand the importance of weather forecasting in daily life.

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Resources Needed

• Printed weather symbol cards (sun, cloud, rain, snow, wind, thunderstorm, fog, thermometer)
• Blank UK map outlines (one per pupil)
• Interactive whiteboard or projector
• Everyday objects to simulate weather conditions (e.g., fan for wind, water spray for rain)
• Weather forecast worksheet (symbols, days of the week, simple temperature scale)
• Props for presentation (optional hats, microphones, pointer sticks)
• Tablets or cameras (optional for video recording weather forecasts)

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter (10 minutes) – What’s the Weather Like Today?

• Begin with a lively discussion: ask pupils to describe today's weather at school.
• Show pictures or videos of various weather types in the UK (sunny, rainy, snowy, windy, foggy).
• Introduce weather symbols: show cards, ask pupils to guess what each symbol means.
• Link symbols to words: sun = sunny, cloud = cloudy, etc.

Success criteria: Pupils recognise and name at least five common weather symbols.

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2. Main Activity Part 1 (15 minutes) – Weather Detective in Your Local Area

• Pupils work in pairs to observe the current weather outside or from a window.
• Using mini whiteboards or notebooks, they draw or note the weather conditions using symbols learned.
• Highlight key vocabulary: temperature, precipitation, wind speed, sunshine hours.

Extension: Use a simple thermometer to measure temperature outside, record findings.

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3. Main Activity Part 2 (20 minutes) – Make Your Own Weather Forecast

• Each pupil receives a blank UK map and a weather forecast worksheet.
• Teacher demonstrates how to plot symbols on the map according to a simple pre-made forecast for a particular day.
• Pupils then create their own weather forecast for their local area or anywhere in the UK, choosing appropriate symbols and temperatures.
• Pairs prepare to present their forecast as if they were weather presenters.

Creative twist: Record the presentations on tablets; create a ‘class weather channel’ video.

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4. Plenary (10 minutes) – Weather Presentations and Reflection

• Select a few pairs to present their weather forecasts to the class using their maps and symbols.
• Discuss the importance of weather forecasts: why do we need to know the weather in advance?
• Reflect on how weather affects daily decisions and activities (clothing, travel, events).

Question prompts:

• How can a weather forecast help people?
• What would happen if we didn’t have weather forecasts?

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5. Assessment (5 minutes) – Quiz & Exit Ticket

• Quick quiz on identifying weather symbols shown on the whiteboard.
• Exit ticket: pupils write or draw one new thing they learned about the weather today and one question they still have.

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Differentiation and SEND Support

• Provide symbol cards with words and pictures for visual scaffolding.
• Use peer support during pair work.
• Allow extra time for drawing symbols and preparing presentations.
• Incorporate sensory experiences (fan for wind, light spray for rain) to support pupils with additional needs.
• For higher-attaining pupils, encourage them to describe weather consequences (e.g., how rain affects travel, temperature changes affect plants).

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Cross-Curricular Links

• English: Developing speaking, listening, and presenting skills.
• Science: Link to sound knowledge about seasons and temperature changes.
• ICT: Using tablets/cameras to create weather presentations and videos.
• Art: Drawing and designing weather symbols and maps.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Encourage enthusiasm and creativity: weather is relatable and observable daily.
• Use humour and role-play to keep pupils engaged (e.g., be the "weather wizard").
• Incorporate real-time weather data from a trusted weather service for relevance — no links, but teacher should check a weather site prior to the lesson.
• Consider inviting a local meteorologist via video call for a follow-up session if possible.

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This lesson plan is guaranteed to engage young learners by blending real-life weather observation with creative expression and foundational geography skills in alignment with the National Curriculum for England.