Geography · Year 1 · Weather and Seasons · Spring Term

Understanding Extreme Weather

Exploring weather types that are unusual or impactful in the UK.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• KS1: Geography - Human and Physical Geography

About This Topic

While the UK is known for its temperate climate, it does experience extreme weather events like heatwaves, heavy snow, and flooding. This topic explores these unusual events and their impact on people and the environment. It aligns with the National Curriculum's focus on physical geography and the interaction between humans and their surroundings.

Learning about extreme weather helps students understand the power of nature and the importance of safety and preparation. It also provides a gentle introduction to the concept of climate change and how our weather might become more unpredictable. By discussing these events, students develop empathy for those affected and think critically about how we can protect our communities. This topic comes alive when students can engage in role play or simulations to solve 'weather challenges'.

Key Questions

1. Differentiate what constitutes extreme weather in our country.
2. Explain strategies people employ to ensure safety during severe weather.
3. Hypothesize how global warming might alter future weather patterns.

Learning Objectives

• Identify at least three types of extreme weather events experienced in the UK.
• Explain two safety measures individuals can take during a flood or a heatwave.
• Compare the typical UK weather with an example of extreme weather using descriptive language.
• Classify weather events as either 'typical' or 'extreme' for the UK context.

Before You Start

Basic Weather Observations

Why: Students need to be able to identify and describe common weather phenomena like rain, sun, and wind before they can differentiate extreme events.

Seasons and Typical Weather

Why: Understanding what weather is normal for different seasons in the UK provides a baseline for identifying what is unusual or extreme.

Key Vocabulary

Heatwave	A prolonged period of abnormally hot weather, often accompanied by high humidity. This can be dangerous for people and animals.
Flood	An overflow of a large amount of water beyond its normal confines, especially over what is normally dry land. Floods can be caused by heavy rain or overflowing rivers.
Drought	A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. This can affect plants, animals, and water supplies.
Gale	A very strong wind. Gales can cause damage to buildings and trees, and make travel difficult.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Extreme weather only happens in other countries.

What to Teach Instead

Students often see 'tornadoes' or 'blizzards' on TV and think the UK is always 'normal'. Use local news clips of UK floods or heatwaves to show that extreme weather happens here too.

Common Misconception

Rain is always bad weather.

What to Teach Instead

Children might think any rain is 'extreme' if it ruins playtime. Use peer discussion to distinguish between 'helpful rain' for plants and 'extreme rain' that causes floods.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Great Snowfall

The classroom is 'snowed in'. In small groups, students must decide which items from a 'survival kit' (e.g., torch, blanket, spade, biscuits) are most important and explain their choices to the class.

25 min·Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: Flood Defences

Using a tray of sand and a 'river', students work in groups to build walls or houses using blocks. They then 'flood' the tray with water to see which designs stay dry and which are washed away.

40 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: Staying Safe

Show a picture of a very hot day or a very windy day. Students think of one way to stay safe (e.g., 'wear a hat' or 'stay away from big trees'), share with a partner, and then draw their safety tip.

15 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• The Environment Agency in the UK issues flood warnings for specific rivers and coastal areas, using weather forecasts to alert communities and advise on evacuation plans. For example, during Storm Ciara in 2020, many areas in northern England received severe flood alerts.
• During the summer heatwave of 2022, the UK's National Health Service advised people to stay hydrated and cool, with specific guidance for vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children. Public transport services also adjusted schedules due to extreme heat affecting rail lines.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Give each student a card with a picture of a weather event (e.g., heavy rain, sunshine, snow, strong wind). Ask them to write one sentence explaining if it is 'typical' or 'extreme' weather for the UK and why.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'What would you do if your street started to flood?' Facilitate a class discussion, encouraging students to share safety ideas they learned. Prompt further by asking: 'Who helps people when there is a flood?'

Quick Check

Show images of different weather conditions. Ask students to give a thumbs up if they think it's extreme weather for the UK and a thumbs down if it's typical. Follow up by asking a few students to explain their choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can active learning help students understand extreme weather?

Active learning, such as the 'Flood Defences' investigation or 'Snowfall' simulation, allows students to see the consequences of weather in a controlled way. These hands-on activities help them understand the 'why' behind safety rules and the physical impact of weather on the land.

Is it scary to teach Year 1 about extreme weather?

It can be, so focus on 'helpers' and safety. Talk about how the emergency services help people and what we can do to be prepared. Keep the tone practical rather than frightening.

What counts as 'extreme' in the UK?

Focus on things they might have seen: very deep snow that closes schools, heatwaves where they have to stay in the shade, or heavy rain that causes big puddles or floods on roads.

How does this topic link to climate change?

For Year 1, keep it very simple: explain that the world is getting a bit warmer, and this can make our weather more 'exciting' or 'extreme' more often. Focus on looking after the planet.