Investigation One introduces students to weather and the four seasons. Through observation and experimentation, students will determine how water and the environment are affected by summer and winter. A simple experiment will show students how the amount of sunlight that reaches the Earth changes throughout the seasons. In addition, students will have an opportunity to use a compass to determine the directions of north, south, east, and west.

In Investigation Two, students continue their study of weather and temperature through experimentation. Students will learn how to use and read a thermometer. Students will then use the thermometer to measure the temperature of warm and cold water. They will discover that warm water has a higher temperature than cold water. Students will then observe a demonstration showing the differences in sunlight on a clear and cloudy day. Their observations will enable them to realize that more sunlight reaches the Earth on a clear day than on a cloudy day.

During Investigation Three, students will begin their exploration of precipitation through the water cycle. While performing several simple tests, students will create rain in the lab. In addition, students will examine the effect that light and heavy rain have on soil and living things. Students should discern that light rain has little or no effect on soil and on living things, while heavy rain has a significant effect on the two. Students will also begin to determine the importance of shelter for living things.

Investigation Four introduces students to another aspect of weather: wind. Through the use of an anemometer and through experimentation, students will determine that winds blow at different speeds and from different directions. Students will also be given an opportunity to see how wind affects solids and liquids that are found on the Earth.

During Investigation Five, students will have an opportunity to compile and analyze all of the weather data they have collected during this CELL. While in the lab, students will use the provided materials to build a shelter for a gram bear. Through simple testing, students will determine if their shelter can withstand heavy rains and strong winds. Students should discern the importance of shelter to the survival of living organisms.