What is the primary difference between weather and climate?

Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, while climate is the average weather conditions in an area over a long period.

Name three factors that can influence both weather and climate.

Sunlight, oceans, atmosphere, ice, landforms, and life forms.

How do ocean currents redistribute energy on Earth, and why is this important for weather and climate?

Ocean currents transport heat from the equator towards the poles, influencing regional temperatures and precipitation patterns. This redistribution affects both short-term weather and long-term climate.

Explain the greenhouse effect and name two greenhouse gases.

The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat, warming the planet. Two greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide and methane.

How does the Earth's reflectivity (albedo) affect climate? Give an example.

The Earth's reflectivity determines how much solar radiation is reflected back into space. High reflectivity (e.g., from ice or snow) cools the planet, while low reflectivity (e.g., from dark surfaces) warms it. Melting ice caps reduce reflectivity, leading to further warming.

Weather versus Climate

7th GradeScience180 min

aligned to Ngss Ms-ess2-5

Learning Objective

I can differentiate between weather and climate and explain the factors that affect each.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

8 min

ESS2D - Weather and Climate

Bozeman Science

Guided Notes

36 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
Weather is what it looks like outside right now, while climate is what it looks like over a long period of time.
•
Factors that affect weather and climate include the amount of sunlight, oceans, atmosphere, and landforms.
•
Greenhouse gases like methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapor slow the loss of heat from our planet, impacting the climate.

Practice

54 min

12 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“Explain the difference between weather and climate. Give one factor that affects weather and one factor that affects climate, according to the video.”

Teacher Guide

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Answer keys for all questions
Differentiation strategies
Extension activities
Printable student handouts

Weather versus Climate

Learning Objective

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

Guided Notes

Practice

Exit Ticket

Teacher Guide

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