Autumn
Natural Science
The weather in Autumn
How animals are affected
Social Science
What we eat during Autumn
What we wear during Autumn
Technology
How nature is affected
Affects of Autumn on environment
In South Africa the days are still long and warm during Autumn. We can expect warmer nights and cooler mornings. The raining season comes to a halt during Autumn but continues again in the season of Spring.
Key concept: South Africa has unique Autumn weather patterns, characterized by warm days, cooler mornings and evenings, and varying regional climate conditions.
Activity: I will develop the science process skill of comparing in this activity. I will discuss Autumn and Spring weather conditions with the learners. Then I will provide materials (pictures of clouds, leaves, trees, animals, rain, flowers) and ask the learners to create a collage representing Autumn weather. They will compare what the weather looks like in Autumn and what it looks like in Spring by making separate collages of each season.
According to Langley (2019) Autumn is the season of intense preparation for many animals. During Autumn animals gather up all the food they can get in order to prepare for the Winter season that is approaching. During Autumn some animals experience a change of fur to fit in with their environment and to hide form predators.
Key concept: Autumn is a critical season for animal preparation as they gather food and adapt physical to prepare for the upcoming Winter season.
Activity: I will develop the science process skill of exploration during this activity. I will set up a dramatic play area with Autumn-themed materials. I will then explain how animals prepare for Winter. I will ask the learners to use toy animals to demonstrate how they prepare for winter, for example collecting food and changing fur. I will encourage role-playing and exploration.
When we are in the Autumn season we start to wear warmer clothes to keep us warm as the days start getting colder. We wear scarves, jackets, boots, long pants and sweaters during Autumn.
Key concept: people wear warmer clothing to stay warm during the colder weather of Autumn.
Activity: I will set up a dress-up station with Autumn clothing. I will provide dolls or stuffed animals for the learners to dress. I will ask the learners to choose appropriate clothing for the Autumn weather. I will lastly encourage learners to explain their choices.
When the temperatures drop during Autumn we need to nourish and warm our bodies from the inside. If we’re eating ‘cold’ foods, like fruits and salads we'll feel cold from the inside out and our immune system will be weak. That is why we need to eat warmer foods like stews and soups during the colder months so we can feel warm form the inside out and strengthen our immune system and boost our energy.
Key concept: Consuming warmer, nourishing foods like stews and soups during Autumn helps to maintain body warmth, boost energy, and strengthen the immune system.
Activity: I will set up a play kitchen or cooking area in the classroom using toy pots, utensils and toy food like vegetables and beans. I will discuss the importance of warm foods during Autumn. I will then ask learners to prepare and serve "Autumn Warmth Soup" using play food. During this i will encourage role play amongst the learners.
Autumn has a massive impact on nature. During the autumn season a lot of things happen, for example the plants stop making food, animals start to prepare for the winter and the days are shorter. This means that animals don't have much time during the day to collect food as the days are shorter and food becomes more scares.
Key concept: Autumn brings changes to nature, affecting plants and animals as they adapt to shorter days, reduced food availability, and prepare for the upcoming Winter season.
Activity: I will help the learners develop their knowledge on structures for this activity. The learners will design and build an bird feeder that is big enough to hold a small amount of birdseed, must easily hang from a tree, must be waterproof and must be strong enough to withstand weather conditions. The learners will design their bird feeder and then make the birdfeeder with provided materials (plastic, glue, cellotape, string, etc.)
Because of all the pollution on earth, Autumn is not what it always was. The earth is getting warmer and warmer and this means there are rises in temperatures, which means, Autumn's temperatures are also rising. This is not a good thing for Planet Earth. Each season brings its own pros and cons, but it works together as a system. Now because of pollution, that system is in danger.
Key concept: pollution and rising global temperatures are disrupting the natural balance of the seasons, particularly Autumn, threatening the delicate ecosystem and the planet's overall health.
Activity: I will discuss the importance of recycling to the learners. I will explain how pollution is destroying our world and how we need to take care of it. I will create 3 recycling bins with my students. There will be 3 bins in the classroom, labelled:
- Paper 2. Plastic 3. Glass
The learners will design and make these bins and labels.