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KINDERGARTEN SCIENCE (NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS) • EARTH AND HUMAN ACTIVITY

Identify ways weather forecasts help people prepare.

Weather forecasts tell us what is coming so we can stay safe and ready.

SECTION 1

How Did People Learn About Weather?

Have you ever looked outside? You can see if it is sunny or rainy.

Long ago, people looked at the sky too. They wanted to know what the weather would do next!

A weather forecast tells us what the weather will be like soon. That means someone tells us if it will rain, snow, or be sunny.

Long Ago
People Watched the Sky
Farmers looked at clouds to guess if rain was coming.
1800s
First Weather Tools
People made tools to measure heat and wind. That means they could learn more about the weather.
Today
Weather Reports for Everyone
Now we can hear the weather forecast on TV, the radio, or a phone. We know what is coming!

So here is our big question: How do weather forecasts help us get ready?

SECTION 2

What Do Weather Forecasts Tell Us?

A weather forecast is like a helper. It tells us what to expect outside. Let's learn what it can tell us!

1

Temperature

Temperature tells us if it will be hot or cold. That means you know what clothes to wear!
2

Rain or Snow

The forecast tells us if rain or snow is coming. You can grab your umbrella or boots!
3

Wind

Wind means moving air. A forecast tells us if it will be windy. You might need a hat!
4

Storms

A storm has big wind and heavy rain. The forecast helps us stay safe inside.
☀️ KEY TAKEAWAY
A weather forecast is like a friend who peeks outside for you. Imagine your friend says, "It is raining!" Now you know to grab your raincoat. That is what a forecast does. It helps you get ready before you go outside.
SECTION 3

See How a Forecast Helps You Pick What to Wear

Look at the picture below. It shows different weather and what you can wear!

This picture shows three types of weather: sunny, rainy, and snowy. Each one shows what you could wear. The forecast helps you pick!

When you hear a forecast, you can look at it like a plan. Sunny day? Wear light clothes. Rainy day? Grab rain gear. Snowy day? Bundle up warm!

SECTION 4

How Does a Weather Forecast Work?

Weather scientists look at the sky. They use special tools. Then they tell us what weather is coming. Let's see how!

Steps to Make a Forecast

  1. Observe — that means look! Scientists look at clouds, feel the wind, and check the temperature.
  2. Measure — they use tools to see how hot or cold it is.
  3. Predict — that means they make a good guess about tomorrow's weather.
  4. Share — they tell everyone on TV, radio, or phones!

You can be a weather scientist too! Look outside. What do you see? Are there clouds? Is the sun out? You are observing the weather!

🔭 Try It!
Look out the window right now. Can you describe the weather? Is it sunny, cloudy, rainy, or windy? You just made your own observation!
SECTION 5

All the Ways Forecasts Help Us Prepare

Weather forecasts do not just help with clothes. They help in many ways! Let's look at them all.

This picture shows five ways a weather forecast helps people. It helps us pick clothes, stay safe, plan activities, help farmers, and travel safely.
Weather forecasts help us prepare in different ways.
Weather Forecast Says…How We Prepare
☀️ Hot and sunnyWear light clothes, bring water
🌧️ RainyBring an umbrella, wear boots
❄️ Cold and snowyWear a warm coat, hat, gloves
🌬️ Very windyHold your hat, stay inside if too strong
⛈️ Big storm comingStay home, be safe inside
SECTION 6

Let's Practice: A Rainy Day Forecast

Here is a story. Let's see how a weather forecast helps a family get ready!

🌧️ Anchoring Phenomenon
Maya's family is going to the park today. The weather forecast says rain is coming this afternoon. What should they do?
Helping Maya's Family Prepare
1
Step 1 — Listen to the ForecastMaya's mom checks the weather on her phone. It says rain is coming after lunch.
Rain is coming!
2
Step 2 — Think About What to BringRain means they will get wet. What keeps you dry? An umbrella and rain boots!
Pack umbrella and rain boots.
3
Step 3 — Make a PlanRain comes after lunch. They can go to the park in the morning when it is dry. Then come home before rain starts.
Go to the park in the morning!
4
Step 4 — Stay Safe and Have FunMaya plays at the park all morning. They go home before the rain. The forecast helped them have a great day!
The forecast helped the family stay dry and have fun!
🌂 KEY TAKEAWAY
Using a forecast is like reading a story about tomorrow. The forecast tells you what will happen. Then you can plan ahead — just like Maya's family did!
SECTION 7

Forecast or No Forecast?

What happens when we know the forecast? What if we do not check it? Let's compare!

Having a forecast makes a big difference!
With a ForecastWithout a Forecast
You bring a raincoat when rain is coming.You get wet and cold!
You wear a warm coat on a cold day.You shiver outside!
You plan indoor fun during a storm.Your outdoor trip gets canceled!
You stay safe at home in bad weather.You might be outside in danger.
⚖️ KEY TAKEAWAY
Think of the forecast like a flashlight in the dark. Without it, you bump into surprises. With it, you can see what is coming and be ready!
SECTION 8

Weather and Our World

Right now you are learning to use forecasts. Later you will learn even more about weather!

There is so much more to learn about weather!
What We Learn NowWhat We Will Learn Later
Weather can be sunny, rainy, or snowy.What causes different weather.
Forecasts help us prepare.How weather tools work.
We can observe weather outside.Weather patterns change over time.

You are already a weather observer! Every time you look outside and describe the weather, you are doing what scientists do. Keep watching the sky!

🐦 Fun Fact
Some animals seem to know the weather too! Birds may fly lower before a storm. You can observe animals and the sky, just like a scientist.
SECTION 9

Practice Problems

🧺 New Scenario
Leo's class wants to have a picnic outside tomorrow. The teacher checks the weather forecast. It says it will be very cold and windy. Use this story to answer the questions.
PROBLEM 1 — CONCEPTUAL
What does a weather forecast do? A) It changes the weather. B) It tells us what the weather will be like. C) It makes the sun come out.
PROBLEM 2 — BASIC
The forecast says cold and windy. What should Leo wear? A) Shorts and a t-shirt. B) A warm coat and a hat. C) A bathing suit.
PROBLEM 3 — INTERMEDIATE
The teacher hears the cold and windy forecast. What might she decide about the picnic? A) Have the picnic outside anyway. B) Have the picnic inside the classroom instead. C) Cancel school for the day.
PROBLEM 4 — APPLIED
Think and share: Imagine the forecast says tomorrow will be sunny and warm. How would that change the picnic plan? What would Leo bring? Tell a grown-up or a friend your ideas.
PROBLEM 5 — CRITICAL THINKING
Think and share: Why is it important to check the weather forecast before you make plans for the day? What could happen if you never checked?
SUMMARY

What We Learned

A weather forecast tells us what the weather will be like. It can say if it will be sunny, rainy, snowy, or windy. When we know what is coming, we can prepare!

Forecasts help us pick the right clothes, stay safe in storms, and plan fun activities. We can observe the weather like scientists. Keep looking at the sky and listening to forecasts. You are a weather helper!

Varsity Tutors • Kindergarten Science (Next Generation Science Standards) • Identify ways weather forecasts help people prepare.