Focus:
This unit focuses on weather and climate. Students describe patterns of weather across time and location. They learn the difference between weather and climate.
Students study Earth’s atmosphere, the mixture of gases surrounding our planet. A major focus of this unit is the role of water in the atmosphere and the importance of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Scientists collect data o
n atmospheric conditions—and students explore this process as they learn about weather instrumentation. Meteorologists use the information they gain from data collection to forecast the weather. Climatologists study patterns over longer time periods using much of the same data.
Students also learn that some forms of weather can be severe and hazardous, such as a hurricane, a tornado, or a lightning storm. People use engineering design to develop solutions that prepare society for hazardous weather and to minimize risks.
Number of Lessons: 13
Lesson Time: 30–45 minutes daily. Each lesson may be divided into shorter segments.
Please note that certain lessons in this unit are designed for multiple days, resulting in approximately 18 days of instruction. For more information, please refer to the recommended Pacing Guide within the Teacher Guide.
Additional Search Terms:
atmosphere • air pressure • weather • climate • water vapor • precipitation • humidity • wind • air mass • meteorologist • weather front • season • weather hazard • nonfiction • informational text
CKSci Grade Levels: CKSci units are correlated to topics at the grade levels specified in the K–5 Core Knowledge Science Sequence.
