### Lesson Plan: Earth’s Systems (Weather, Climate, Water Cycle)
**Grade Level:**
3rd Grade
**Subject:**
Science
**Topic:**
Earth’s Systems - Weather, Climate, Water Cycle
**Duration:**
60 Minutes
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#### **Objective:**
Students will:
1. Understand the difference between weather and climate.
2. Describe the water cycle and its components (evaporation, condensation, precipitation, collection).
3. Recognize the importance of Earth's systems in daily life.
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#### **Materials Needed:**
- Whiteboard & markers
- Chart paper & markers
- Water cycle diagram handouts
- Weather instruments (thermometer, barometer, anemometer, rain gauge) or images
- Videos on weather, climate, and the water cycle
- Science journals
- Crayons/colored pencils
- Access to internet or a suitable weather app
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#### **Vocabulary:**
- Weather
- Climate
- Water Cycle
- Evaporation
- Condensation
- Precipitation
- Collection
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#### **Standards Met:**
- NGSS 3-ESS2-1: Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.
- NGSS 3-ESS2-2: Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world.
- NGSS 3-ESS2-3: Plan and conduct an investigation to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth's surface.
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### Procedure:
#### **Introduction (10 Minutes):**
1. **Hook:**
- Begin with an open discussion question: "Have you ever wondered why the weather changes every day, but the climate stays the same for a long time?"
- Show a brief video clip (3-4 minutes) summarizing weather vs. climate.
2. **Objective Overview:**
- Explain how today’s lesson will cover the differences between weather and climate, as well as the water cycle’s role in these systems.
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#### **Direct Instruction (15 Minutes):**
1. **Weather vs. Climate:**
- Define weather as the day-to-day state of the atmosphere. Use the classroom location to discuss today's weather.
- Define climate as the average weather conditions in a specific region over a long period.
- Display visuals of different climates (tropical, arid, temperate, polar) and discuss observable differences.
2. **Introduce Weather Instruments:**
- Show students various weather instruments (real or images) and briefly explain their uses.
- Encourage students to ask questions and feel the instruments if available.
3. **The Water Cycle:**
- Use a water cycle diagram to introduce the terms: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
- Use visual aids or a short animation to illustrate the cycle.
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#### **Guided Practice (15 Minutes):**
1. **Interactive Activity:**
- Split students into small groups and provide a large chart paper.
- Have each group draw and label the water cycle, then explain it to the class.
2. **Weather and Climate Comparison:**
- Give each group a set of weather cards (different weather conditions) and climate facts (descriptions of different climates).
- Groups will sort the cards under "Weather" or "Climate" headings and present their reasoning.
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#### **Independent Practice (10 Minutes):**
1. **Science Journals:**
- Students will draw and color a diagram of the water cycle and write a few sentences to explain each part.
- They will also describe today's weather and give one example of the climate of their town or state.
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#### **Assessment (5 Minutes):**
- Circulate the room and check students' water cycle diagrams and journal entries for understanding.
- Quick oral quiz: Ask students to provide examples of weather and climate, and describe one part of the water cycle.
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#### **Closure (5 Minutes):**
1. **Review and Reflect:**
- Summarize the key points of the lesson.
- Ask students to share one new thing they learned today.
- Remind them to observe the weather daily and think about how it fits into Earth's larger systems.
2. **Extension/Enrichment:**
- Assign a simple homework to track weather data at home for a week and note any patterns.
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#### **Differentiation:**
- **For advanced students:** Provide additional research material on extreme weather events and their impact on climate.
- **For struggling students:** Offer one-on-one assistance and additional visual aids to reinforce key concepts.
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By the end of this lesson, students should have a fundamental understanding of how weather and climate are connected through earth’s systems, especially the water cycle. They will appreciate the intricacies of these natural processes and their significance in everyday life.