Seasonal Changes Investigation
To develop understanding of seasonal changes and weather patterns.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Understanding the World
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Names the current season
- Identifies seasonal features (falling leaves, blossom)
- Notices weather changes day to day
- Links weather to appropriate clothing
Materials
- Weather station (rain gauge, thermometer, wind vane)
- Seasonal display area
- Nature journals for recording
- Seasonal sorting resources
Instructions
Begin each season with a sensory walk outdoors. 'What do you notice about outside today? How does the air feel? What colours can you see?' Gather observations and compare to the previous season.
Create and maintain a seasonal display that children help update. 'What shall we put on our autumn display? Let's collect some colourful leaves and conkers!' Let children lead what to include.
Establish daily weather observation using simple tools. 'Let's check our rain gauge—look, it collected water last night! That means it rained while we were asleep.' Record findings on a class chart.
Make connections between seasons and everyday life. 'Why are we wearing shorts today? Yes, because it's summer and warm!' 'The leaves are falling—what season is that?' Help children see patterns.
Document seasonal changes through photos, drawings, and observations. 'Let's draw the tree today. Remember last month when it was covered in leaves? Now we can see the branches!'
Read books about seasons and discuss which season we're in. 'In this book, it's snowing. Do we have snow now? When might we see snow?' Develop understanding of the cycle of seasons.