Weather is what the conditions are like in a particular place at a particular time. For example, rain, wind or sun.

Seasons are periods of similar weather. In the UK there are four seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter).

Winter is the coldest season of the year. It is between autumn and spring.

Temperature is a measure of how hot something is.

A thermometer is a device for measuring temperature.

Weather in winter

Science

Signs of autumn

Weather in autumn

Signs of winter

Day length in winter

In this Seasonal changes unit, pupils learn how day length varies. In the Earth, Sun and Moon unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn why we have day and night

Pupils will draw upon prior exploration of seasons and weather in EYFS and their own everyday experiences. In this unit Seasonal changes: autumn and winter unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to observe changes across the four seasons and describe associated weather

This unit explores observing changes across autumn and winter, including weather patterns and variations in day length. It emphasises asking questions, using simple equipment for observations, identifying and classifying, gathering data, and using observations to answer questions.

Seasonal changes: autumn and winter

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

True or false? The weather is the same in each season.

Which of these photographs shows frosty weather?

Because the weather in winter turns colder, we are more likely to get ...

What do we measure to find out how hot the weather is?

What can we use to measure the temperature of the weather in winter?

Which of these might you observe in winter?

True or false? There are ten months in one year.

There are four seasons. Winter, spring ...

lose most or all of their leaves every year.

Which of these photographs shows a deciduous tree in winter?

Which skills do we use to describe changes in winter?

Weather in winter

Lesson outcome

Content guidance