Extreme Weather 5E Science Unit Plan for Third Grade
$9.90
Engage your 3rd grade students with this NGSS-aligned 5E Extreme Weather Unit! Includes lesson plans, worksheets, vocabulary, experiments, and activities covering hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and drought—perfect for hands-on science learning.
Bring science to life with this comprehensive 3rd Grade Extreme Weather 5E Unit Plan! Designed to align with NGSS standards, this engaging resource helps students explore, explain, and apply their understanding of extreme weather through hands-on investigations and inquiry-based learning.
This unit uses the 5E Instructional Model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, Evaluate) to guide students through meaningful science experiences while building critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Perfect for whole-group instruction, science blocks, or supplemental lessons!
📦 What’s Included
- Complete 5E Lesson Plans (Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, Evaluate)
- Printable student worksheets and activity sheets
- Vocabulary cards and big idea posters
- Hands-on experiments (tornado in a bottle, snowstorm model, etc.)
- Reading passages with comprehension questions
- Exit tickets and assessment materials
- Teacher notes, materials lists, and pacing guides
- Multiple timeline options for flexible planning
🧠 Skills Covered
- Understanding extreme weather types (hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, drought)
- Identifying causes and effects of weather hazards
- Exploring the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation)
- Applying NGSS 3-ESS3-1 concepts
- Developing scientific inquiry and observation skills
- Building vocabulary and comprehension in science
- Engaging in engineering design challenges
🧪 Ways to Use This Resource
Whole Group Instruction
Guide your class through each phase of the 5E model for a full science unit experience.
Science Centers or Stations
Use activities and worksheets for small group rotations or independent practice.
Hands-On Experiments
Incorporate engaging activities like:
- Tornado in a bottle
- Snowstorm model investigation
- Weather damage analysis
Flexible Lesson Planning
Choose from multiple pacing options (full unit, shortened lessons, or supplemental use).
💡 Why Teachers Love It
- ✔️ Fully planned unit – saves prep time
- ✔️ NGSS-aligned for 3rd grade science
- ✔️ Interactive and engaging for students
- ✔️ Combines reading, science, and critical thinking
- ✔️ Includes differentiation opportunities
- ✔️ Encourages student-led inquiry and discussion
Teachers appreciate how this unit helps uncover misconceptions and build deeper understanding through exploration and reflection .
🌎 Bring Extreme Weather to Life!
Help your students discover how and why extreme weather happens while developing real-world problem-solving skills. From hurricanes to blizzards, this unit makes complex science concepts accessible, engaging, and fun for young learners.
Perfect for 3rd grade classrooms, homeschool settings, or distance learning science lessons!
Tyler H. –
Helped with my lesson and very engaging with students.
Krystal Warketnin –
This Weather 5E Science Unit was a total lifesaver! It’s well-organized, easy to follow, and filled with fun, hands-on activities that kept my third graders engaged. The 5E model made planning simple, and the experiments—like cloud jars and weather tools—were a big hit. It also aligns with NGSS, which gave me confidence I was teaching the right content. Highly recommend for any teacher looking for an engaging, ready-to-use science unit!
Story on Paige One –
This was a great addition to my lacking curriculum on weather. The students really enjoyed the activities provided in this resource.
Kims's Korner –
Loved using this resource! My students and I enjoyed this product so much!
Ciara G. –
This was such a great addition to our lesson and the students all loved it!