Understanding Climate and Weather Patterns

Scientist Kate introduces a lesson on comparing climates for grade three students. The lesson explains the difference between weather and climate, emphasizing the long-term nature of climate. Students use the World Weather Handbook to study climates in different locations, focusing on Akumal, Mexico, and Dakar, Senegal. The lesson concludes with the key concept that different places have different climates.

What is the main focus of this lesson?

• Exploring the solar system

• Understanding the difference between weather and climate

• Studying the impact of climate change on polar bears

• Learning about the history of meteorology

What does climate describe?

• The temperature at noon

• The weather on a specific day

• The amount of rainfall in a week

• The pattern of weather over a long period

What is the purpose of the World Weather Handbook in this lesson?

• To provide historical weather data

• To help students understand different climates

• To predict future weather events

• To teach about weather instruments

What is the average high temperature range in Akumal, Mexico?

• 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit

• 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit

• 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit

• 83-91 degrees Fahrenheit

What type of seasons does Akumal, Mexico experience?

• Only a warm season

• Only a cold season

• A wet and dry season

• No distinct wet or dry season

What is the main task for students when studying Dakar, Senegal?

• To draw a map of the region

• To write an essay about its culture

• To fill out a worksheet using climate data

• To create a weather forecast

How does the precipitation pattern in Dakar, Senegal differ from Akumal, Mexico?

• It has a distinct wet and dry season

• It has a consistent rainfall throughout the year

• It has no wet or dry season

• It rains only in winter

What is the key concept of this lesson?

• Weather patterns are unpredictable

• Different places have different climates

• Climate is the same as weather

• All places have the same climate

Which two cities were compared to show different climates in the same country?

• Dallas and Seattle

• Boston and San Francisco

• Miami and Chicago

• New York and Los Angeles

What should students do if they chose a different city from the World Weather Handbook?

• Submit it without checking

• Discuss with their teacher or an adult

• Ignore the results

• Redo the activity