Exploring Weather in Preschool

It's Wednesday, and here at Preschool Ponderings, that means time to focus on the standards.  Every Wednesday I choose an Early Learning Standard and share a number of activities that can be aligned with that particular standard.  Remember, the Standards that I use every day, and am most comfortable with are Ohio's Early Learning Development Standards - you can review them here, however I've found that even if your State's standards differ, many of these activities can still be aligned similarly. I've rounded up some great ideas today!

Domain: Science
Strand: Earth and Space Science
Topic: Explorations of the Natural World

This standard is all about the weather and nature - two things that fascinate children because they both play a role in their daily lives.  Here are some great ideas for exploring the natural world;

Explore the power of wind

Create mini terrariums

Make a rain chain and observe the rain

Use your sensory bin to explore nature

Another great idea is to use your local resources - visit a local community garden, botanical garden, or nature preserve with your class. You might be amazed what fascinated the children as you explore these concepts, encourage them to notice the little things, like the way the wind blows each blade of grass, or the noise the rain makes on the roof.  All of these details play an important role in understanding the natural world.