Year 1/2 Mixed-Age Geography Unit of Learning: Will it Be Sunny Today? (Seasonal and Daily Weather Patterns)

Understanding the weather and seasonal changes is essential for young pupils, as it directly influences daily life and our interaction with the world around us. The mixed-age geography unit, *Will it Be Sunny Today?*, is designed to help Year 1 and 2 pupils explore the fundamental concepts of weather and its patterns. This unit engages pupils in investigating the daily weather, understanding the different seasons, and learning how weather influences human activities. By introducing key concepts of meteorology, pupils will develop an early interest in geography, science, and the environment.

Week 1: What is the Weather?
The first lesson in this unit introduces pupils to the basics of weather. They will explore what weather is, including the key elements such as temperature, rain, wind, and sunshine. Through simple discussions and observation, pupils will learn how weather changes throughout the day and how it affects their everyday activities. They will begin to understand the difference between weather and climate, laying the groundwork for further exploration of seasonal changes. This lesson provides the foundation for the pupils to describe and record the weather they observe, developing both their geographical and observational skills.

Week 2: How Do the Seasons Affect Our Lives?
Building on the previous week’s lessons, Week 2 explores the impact of the seasons on life. Pupils will learn about the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—and how each season brings different weather conditions. They will consider how the changing seasons affect plants, animals, and people. For example, pupils will discover how the colder winter months might affect what we wear and how we travel, while the warmer summer months might influence outdoor activities. By relating the seasons to their own experiences, pupils will begin to understand how seasonal changes shape daily life, both for humans and the environment.

Week 3: What Do Meteorologists Do?
Week 3 introduces pupils to the role of meteorologists, the scientists who study the weather. They will learn how meteorologists gather data, interpret weather patterns, and forecast future weather. Pupils will discover the tools meteorologists use, such as weather maps and satellites, to track weather changes. They will begin to understand how weather predictions are made and how meteorologists communicate their findings. By exploring the work of meteorologists, pupils will develop an appreciation for the science behind weather forecasting and how it impacts everyday decisions, from what to wear to when to plan outdoor events.

Week 4: How Does the Weather Compare in Other Places in the UK?
In Week 4, pupils will compare the weather in different parts of the UK. They will learn that weather can vary from region to region, even within the same country. By looking at different cities or areas within the UK, pupils will begin to understand how geography influences local weather patterns. For example, coastal areas might experience milder winters compared to inland areas. Pupils will learn to observe and compare daily weather data, exploring how climate and geography affect the weather in different regions. This lesson helps pupils develop a broader understanding of weather patterns and their local environment.

Week 5: How Would Extreme Weather Affect Our School?
Week 5 focuses on extreme weather events and their impact on the local community, particularly the school environment. Pupils will learn about types of extreme weather, such as storms, floods, and heatwaves, and how these events can disrupt daily life. They will discuss how their school might prepare for and respond to such events, including measures for safety and protection. Pupils will also consider how extreme weather affects transportation, buildings, and outdoor activities. This lesson encourages pupils to think critically about the challenges posed by extreme weather and the importance of preparation and safety.

Week 6: Let’s Be Meteorologists
In the final week of the unit, pupils will put their knowledge into practice by becoming meteorologists themselves. They will use simple tools to observe and record weather patterns over time, making predictions about the weather based on their observations. Pupils will present their weather forecasts, learning how to communicate weather information effectively. This week provides an opportunity for pupils to apply the skills they have developed throughout the unit, reinforcing their understanding of weather patterns and forecasting. By taking on the role of a meteorologist, pupils gain confidence in their ability to observe and interpret the weather around them.

Through this unit, Year 1 and 2 pupils will gain a solid foundation in understanding seasonal and daily weather patterns. By exploring the science of weather, the work of meteorologists, and the impact of weather on their daily lives, pupils will develop key geographical skills and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.