Lesson 4: Climates of Earth
Duration of Days: 7
Lesson Objective
1. Students will explore climate and the factors that determine regional climates.
2. Students will develop and use models to enhance their understanding of how factors including unequal heating by the Sun, latitude, altitude, and patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation determine regional climates.
1. What factors determine regional climates?
.
MS-ESS2-5
MS-ESS2-6
Analyzing maps and diagrams to identify climate zones
Explaining how solar energy, circulation, and geography influence climate
Using evidence to support explanations of regional climate patterns
Applying academic science vocabulary in context
Interpreting charts, graphs, and data on temperature and precipitation trends
Students explore how solar energy, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, and geographic features create different climate zones on Earth. They examine temperature, precipitation, and seasonal patterns across regions.
To help students understand the factors that influence global climates and how climate affects ecosystems, human activities, and communities.
DOK 2–3 (Skills & Concepts / Strategic Thinking)
Observing local seasonal patterns and comparing to global climates
Connecting climate to community planning, water use, and agriculture
Discussing how climate affects daily life, energy use, and transportation
Relating local weather experiences to global climate concepts
Exploring how climate influences clothing, food choices, and outdoor activities
Climate and weather are the same thing
All regions on Earth experience the same seasons and temperatures
Geographic features do not affect climate
Climate does not influence human or animal behavior
Global climate patterns are fixed and do not change over time
Use diagrams, maps, and videos of climate zones and patterns
Provide sentence stems for explaining climate factors and cause-effect relationships
Pair or group students for discussion and climate modeling activities
Highlight and chunk key vocabulary (climate, precipitation, temperature, zone, latitude)
Use graphic organizers to compare climate regions
Connect concepts to students’ personal experiences and local community
Formative Assessment
.