This unit emphasizes two Crosscutting Concepts; Patterns and Cause and Effect. The students observe and record sun and shade patterns throughout the day. They discuss patterns related to temperature and shadows and the cause behind these changes. The students explore thermometers in order to collect data about changes in temperature of water as well as changes in temperature in different places outside throughout the day. Also, students are presented with the engineering design challenge, in which they design a shade structure to keep a bear cool.

Next, the students investigate the different seasons and how humans and animals are affected by the changing seasons. Students have the opportunity to consider the position of the sun and Earth in space.

Finally, students collect and analyze data of weather phenomena over time. The students record and predict temperatures and precipitation. They also discuss how to prepare for hazardous weather.