Winter Science Lesson Plans

Every year, there are one or two days before Winter break when I have to provide lesson plans but I’m not ready to start a new unit. These three winter break lesson plans are not linked to the curriculum but they do address the scientific literacy standards of the NGSS so they’re great to fill in for a day or two when you need something. They’re also engaging for students and low prep for me – two things I need this year more than ever!

Here are 4 winter break lesson plans you can use:

Lesson Plan #1 – Winter Science Jigsaw activity

Standards: This activity addresses the following NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

1. Asking Questions and Defining Problems
2. Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Objective: Students will be able to read informational text and ask questions about the text and communicate the problems described in the text with their teammates.

Activities:

1. Divide students into groups.
2. Provide each group with informational text about the science of winter including topics such as: How are reindeer adapted to live in cold climates? How do evergreen trees work? How does snow form? How does hibernation work? Why is it so dark in winter?
3. In groups, students read and discuss the text. Provide each group of students with guided questions to help them analyze the text if necessary.
4. Jigsaw the groups so that each student has the opportunity to share what he or she learned with a new group of students who read a different text.

Evaluation: Have students complete a 3-2-1 exit slip in which they provide 3 things that they learned in class, 2 things they found interesting, and 1 fact they will share with their families.

Lesson Plan #2 – Winter Science Escape Room

Standards: This activity addresses the following NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

1. Asking Questions and Defining Problems
2. Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Objective: Students will be able to read informational text and ask questions about the text and communicate the problems described in the text with their teammates.

Activities:

1. Divide students into groups.
2. Create clues that lead to puzzles that help students understand  the science of winter. For more information on creating a digital escape room, please read this blog from last year.

Evaluation: Have students complete a 3-2-1 exit slip in which they provide 3 things that they learned in class, 2 things they found interesting, and 1 fact they will share with their families.

 

Lesson Plan #3 –  How Do  Seasons  Form?

Standards: This activity addresses the following NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

1. Asking Questions and Defining Problems
2. Developing and Using Models
3. Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Objective: Students will be able to model the solstices and equinoxes and compare data about the amount of daylight over 3 latitudes and 12 months to draw conclusions about the solstices and equinoxes.

Activities:

 

1.  Using interactive slides, students drag and drop correct answers to demonstrate their understanding of solstices and equinoxes.
2. Students use data of the amount of daylight in 3 locations to compare latitude to daylight hours throughout the year. Use Google Sheets to graph your data.

Evaluation: Have students think, pair and share their understanding of how the tilt of the axis produces seasons.

 

Lesson Plan #4 –  Winter Science Lab Stations

Standards: This activity addresses the following NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

1. Developing and Using Models
2. Planning and carrying out investigations
3. Analyzing and interpreting data

Objective: Students will be work in groups to complete 7 lab stations exploring the science of winter.

Activities:

1.  In one 90 minute class (or two 45 minute classes), students travel through 7 lab stations:
   1. Borax ornaments
   2. Rock candy
   3. Freezing point depression
   4. Ornament Chromatography
   5. Maple syrup snow candy
   6. Cookie cutter slime
   7. Snowball catapult

 

 

What do you do on those last few days before winter break?