Atmospheric Circulation Patterns
Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.
Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.
Objective
I can analyze the relationship between the Coriolis effect and the formation of global wind patterns, including trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies.
Part 1 of 3
Warm-up video
Khan Academy · 6:23Vetted channel
We don't generate video — this one is by Khan Academy on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 3
Practice
12 questions
Explain why the equator receives more direct sunlight than the poles, and how this difference in solar energy affects air temperature.
Describe the process of a convection cell formation, including the roles of rising hot air, sinking cool air, and pressure differences.
Part 3 of 3
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Explain how the Coriolis effect contributes to the direction of the trade winds. Explain how the Coriolis effect contributes to the direction of the westerlies. ”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
Printable worksheet
Slides
Ready to present
We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.
Teaching a group at a different level?
Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.
Adapt This Lesson
