# Lesson Plan: Seasonal Changes
## Grade Level: 1
### Subject: Science
### Duration: 45 Minutes
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### Objective:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Identify the four seasons: spring, summer, fall (autumn), and winter.
2. Describe key characteristics of each season.
3. Understand the basic changes that occur in nature during each season.
### Materials:
- Picture cards or flashcards representing each season
- Chart paper and markers
- Crayons, colored pencils, or markers
- Worksheets with seasonal scenes
- Seasonal storybook (optional)
- Interactive whiteboard or projector (if available)
### Standards:
- NGSS 1-ESS1-2: Make observations at different times of year to relate the amount of daylight to the time of year.
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### Lesson Procedure:
**Introduction (10 minutes):**
1. **Greeting and Warm-up:**
- Begin with a brief discussion asking students if they know how many seasons we have.
- Show a short video clip or slideshow depicting the four seasons.
2. **Interactive Read-aloud (Optional):**
- Read a seasonal storybook that illustrates changes through the year, such as "The Reasons for Seasons" by Gail Gibbons.
**Direct Instruction (15 minutes):**
1. **Introduce the Four Seasons:**
- Show picture cards of each season. Ask students to describe what they see in the pictures.
- Define and describe each season one by one (spring, summer, fall, winter). Discuss the weather, changes in nature, and common activities for each season.
2. **Chart Creation:**
- On a piece of chart paper, create a table with four columns, one for each season.
- Fill in key characteristics of each season with input from the students (e.g., spring - flowers bloom; summer - hot and sunny; fall - leaves change color; winter - snow/frost).
**Guided Practice (10 minutes):**
1. **Seasonal Sorting Activity:**
- Distribute picture cards of seasonal elements/activities (e.g., beach, snowman, pumpkin, flowers) and ask students to sort them into the correct season chart on the board.
- Discuss why each item fits into its respective season.
2. **Class Discussion:**
- Ask students to share their experiences with each season. For instance, "What do you like to do in the summer?" or "What holidays do we celebrate in the winter?"
**Independent Practice (5 minutes):**
1. **Seasonal Scene Drawing:**
- Hand out worksheets with blank seasonal scenes or provide plain paper for students to draw pictures that represent one of the seasons.
- Encourage students to include specific elements discussed in class (e.g., snowflakes for winter, leaves for fall).
**Closure (5 minutes):**
1. **Share and Reflect:**
- Allow a few students to share their drawings and explain which season they chose and why.
- Recap the key points of the lesson, reviewing the four seasons and the main characteristics of each.
2. **Exit Ticket:**
- As a quick assessment, ask students to name their favorite season and one thing they know about it.
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### Assessment:
- Observe students' participation and responses during class discussions and activities.
- Review the seasonal scene drawings for understanding and accuracy.
- Use the exit ticket responses to assess individual student comprehension.
### Differentiation:
- **For Advanced Learners:**
- Allow advanced students to write a sentence about why they enjoy their favorite season and what changes they observe.
- **For Struggling Learners:**
- Pair students with a peer buddy for the drawing activity.
- Provide additional visual aids or simplified explanations as needed.
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### Extensions:
1. **Seasonal Walk:**
- Take a short walk around the schoolyard and observe signs of the current season.
- Discuss observations and relate them to the seasons learned in class.
2. **Class Seasonal Book:**
- Over the school year, create a class book where each student contributes a page with drawings and descriptions of the seasons as they change.
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By the end of this lesson, students will have a clear understanding of the four seasons and their characteristics, laying a foundation for further exploration of seasonal changes and natural cycles in future grades.