Grade 5 - Climate & Weather

Front

Explain why weather forecasting is important.

Back

Weather forecasting is important because it helps us to plan around the weather. For example, we choose which clothes to wear based on what the weather is. We may need to know the weather ahead of time in order to plan for a trip or big event like a party. Gardeners or farmers may need to know when to expect hail or frost so they know when to protect their plants or harvest their crops. Answers will vary and many examples may be given

Front

What methods are used to predict weather?

Back

There are a variety of methods used to predict the weather – including computer modelling, historical data, satellite imaging, and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit traditional knowledge. To formally predict the weather, people called meteorologists put together different pieces of information to create a weather forecast. They study the current weather of an area and the areas around it, and make predictions about future weather. First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities rely on traditional knowledge, in addition to modern tools and methods, to interpret and predict weather patterns.

Front

How do climate and weather events influence agriculture?

Back

By affecting – crop type and crop production, soil quality and water access, animal population, and more.

Front

What is conservation agriculture? Explain with details and examples

Back

A sustainable practice that responds to local climate and weather events. It includes things like minimizing soil disturbance, maintaining soil cover, using water efficiently, and using sustainable harvesting practices.

Front

What factors affect Alberta’s climate?

Back

Geographical location – far from the equator = colder Landforms – mountains result in a dry climate, chinook winds Altitude – some places are quite high = colder Bodies of Water – landlocked = more extreme variation in temperature, less precipitation

Front

How do First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities predict weather patterns?

Back

Using both traditional knowledge and modern tools and methods. Answers will vary.

Front

What can data in maps, tables, or graphs be used to represent?

Back

Temperature, precipitation, wind, and more.

Front

Describe the main characteristics of at least three different climate zones.

Back

Tropical – hot, often wet, some have a dry season, exist near the equator Dry – receive very little rainfall, can be hot or cold, large variation in temperature Temperate – aka mild, warm and cool season, near large bodies of water Polar – near north and south pole, short cool summers and long cold winters Continental – extreme seasons with long cold winters and short hot summers, landlocked

Front

Choose two conservation agriculture practices to describe and explain.

Back

Crop rotation – the practice of planting different crops year after year, usually on a rotating system, rather than planting the same crop every year. For example, planting corn in year one, then beans year two, then wheat year three, then back to corn in year four. Crop rotation is beneficial for soil health and helps reduce the risk of pests and disease. Companion planting – the practice of planting different plants near each other for a specific benefit. For example, planting basil near tomatoes to repel tomato hornworms. This protects the tomatoes without the use of pesticides, which can be damaging to the environment and other plants and animals. Answers will vary.

Front

Explain how animal behaviour is related to weather conditions.

Back

There are a variety of animal behaviours that may be related to weather conditions. For example, some birds migrate south when the weather begins to cool down. They fly to warmer locations for the winter. Another example would be black bears entering their dens for the winter. They go into a deep sleep when the weather is cold, to avoid the harsh conditions and lack of food. They come out of their dens when spring arrives and conditions are warmer and more food is available. Answers will vary and many examples may be given.