Seasonal Changes — Year 1 Lesson Plan
National Curriculum: Science Year 1 — Seasonal changes: observe changes across the four seasons; observe and describe weather associated with the seasons
Overview
Pupils observe and describe the four seasons and associated weather patterns across the year. They learn how daylight hours, temperature, and the natural world change with each season, and develop vocabulary to describe and compare weather conditions through simple observation and recording.
Learning Objectives
- Name and sequence the four seasons of the year.
- Describe typical weather associated with each season.
- Observe and record changes in daylight, temperature, and nature across seasons.
- Use weather observation vocabulary accurately.
Key Vocabulary
Suggested Lesson Structure
Show images of the same tree in each season. Ask: what do you notice? When might each photo have been taken? Collect ideas and introduce the word 'season'.
Introduce the four seasons in order. For each season explain: typical temperature (hot/warm/cool/cold), daylight hours (long summer days vs short winter days), typical weather (sunshine, rain, snow, wind), and how nature changes (leaves falling, flowers growing, animals hibernating, lambs being born). Use a large circular diagram to show the cycle.
Pupils sort a set of picture cards (e.g. coat and scarf, ice cream, fallen leaves, blossom) into the correct season. Discuss reasoning. Then match weather descriptions to seasons as a class.
Pupils draw and label one season of their choice, showing: typical clothing, one weather type, one change in nature. Label the season.
Ask: what season are we in now? How do we know? What was different six months ago? Begin a class weather chart to observe changes over coming weeks.
Common Misconceptions
- Pupils often think seasons are caused by how far Earth is from the sun — seasons are caused by the tilt of Earth's axis.
- Assuming it never rains in summer or snows in any other season — all weather types can occur in any season, just with different frequency.
- Thinking the seasons are the same everywhere — the Southern Hemisphere has opposite seasons.
Prior Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to:
- Basic awareness of weather types (sunny, rainy, cloudy, windy, snowy).
- Experience of outdoor environments and noticing natural changes.
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