Olympic Weather Graph
Connecting weather observation to Olympic sports helps children understand data collection and the relationship between weather and activities.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Olympics
- Learning area: Numeracy
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Objectives
- Learn what a bar graph is
- Gather information and create a simple bar graph
- Use a simple bar graph to answer questions
Materials
- Pencils or markers
- Weather graph chart
- Student weather recording sheets
Instructions
Establish a daily weather observation routine that builds anticipation for this graphing activity. Each morning, designate a 'Weather Observer' who will look outside and announce the day's weather to the class. Prepare a large classroom weather graph with rows for sunny, cloudy, rainy, and snowy days, and columns for each day of the week.
During the initial session, introduce the concept of graphing with wonder: 'Scientists and Olympic planners need to track weather to know which sports can be played. Today, we're becoming weather scientists!' Show the empty graph and explain how each square they colour will help them remember what the weather was like.
Model the graphing process by demonstrating with today's weather. If it's sunny, colour one square in the sunny row while narrating your thinking: 'Today is sunny, so I'm colouring one square here. This helps us remember today was sunny.' Invite the Weather Observer to add their square to the class graph with ceremony and celebration.
Provide individual recording sheets where children can create their own mini-graphs. Guide them to colour their square in the correct row, checking for understanding by asking: 'What row should you colour today? How do you know?'
As the week progresses, begin asking comparative questions: 'Which weather have we had MORE of—sunny or cloudy? How can our graph help us answer that?' Connect to Olympics by discussing which Olympic sports need which weather: 'If we were hosting the Olympics this week, could we have skiing? What about swimming?'
Culminate the week with a graph analysis celebration where children count each weather type, compare quantities, and make predictions about next week. Display both the class graph and individual graphs proudly.
Educator tip
Create excitement by asking 'If we were hosting the Olympics this week, which sports could we play based on our weather?' This connects data to real-world Olympic decision-making.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe student's ability to observe weather and graph results, and discuss sports played in summer and winter Olympics.