Rationale

This unit entitled Summer is designed for Kindergarten. The unit will integrate
many academic disciplines while teaching students about summer with specifics such
as rain, sun, rainbows, shadows, and summer around the world.
Students will do a variety of activities to enhance their learning. First the students
will learn about the sun and its different positions throughout the day and how that
effects the seasons. Next, students will explore shadows by going outside and drawing
different shadows they see throughout the day. Then, students will experience
information on rain by creating a rain gauges. Next, students will learn about rainbows
and how they are formed through an activity creating their own rainbow. Finally, students
will explore how summer is different around the world.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Standards, S.K2.D.2.1.1 Identify weather variables, CC.1.5.K.B Ask and answer questions about key
details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media,
CC.1.5.K.E Speak audibly and express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly, 3.3.K.A5
- Record daily weather conditions using simple charts and graphs, identify seasonal
changes in the environment, and distinguish between types of precipitation, S.K2.A.2.2.1 Identify simple tools that can be used in an investigation (e.g., measuring cup,
hand lens, ruler, balance scale, thermometer), S.K-2.A.2.1.1 Understand that making a
change to an investigation may change the outcome(s) of the investigation, S.K2.A.2.1.2 Describe outcomes of an investigation, the students will be producing works of
art, speaking and listening during discussions, applying process knowledge that enables
them to become independent learners through inquiry and design, identify weather
variables, and identify how weather conditions affect daily life.
When the unit is complete, the students will be able to identify the suns different
positions throughout the day, how rain forms, what makes a rainbow, the reason we
have sahdows, and how summer differs in locations around the world. This content is
key in a students ability to understanding, explore, and explain the natural world around
them.