Weather
You look outside and see bright sunshine, no clouds, and people wearing sunglasses. What kind of weather are you experiencing?
Sunny weather
You are going outside on a very hot day. Which would help you stay comfortable: a heavy winter coat or light clothing?
Light clothing
You see a dark cloud forming above your neighborhood. What might you want to bring with you before going outside?
Answer: An umbrella or raincoat
Your teacher says, “It is raining today.” Is she talking about weather or climate?
Weather
You put an ice cube outside on a warm, sunny day. What do you think will happen to it?
It will melt.
You planned to play outside, but dark clouds appear and you hear thunder. What should you expect might happen next?
A thunderstorm or rain
It was warm yesterday, but today is much colder. What changed?
Answer: The weather changed.
After a rainstorm, puddles slowly disappear when the Sun comes out. Where did the water go?
Answer: It evaporated into the air as water vapor.
You learn that a desert is usually hot and dry. Is this describing weather or climate?
Climate
A plant is placed in a dark closet while another plant is placed near a sunny window. Which plant will probably grow better, and why?
The plant near the window because plants need sunlight to grow.
Maya is going to school. The forecast says it will be cold and windy. Which would be the best choice: a tank top or a jacket?
A jacket
Two children live in different places. One needs a coat because it is snowing, while the other wears shorts because it is warm. What does this show us?
Answer: Different places can have different weather at the same time.
Water vapor rises into the sky and cools down. What happens next?
Answer: It condenses and helps form clouds.
It is usually very cold near the North Pole. Would you expect people there to need warm clothing? Why?
Answer: Yes, because the climate is very cold.
You drop a ball and a feather at the same time. They both fall toward the ground. What force is pulling them down?
Gravity
You notice tree branches moving quickly and leaves blowing across the playground. What does this tell you about the air?
The wind is strong
Your teacher says, “The temperature dropped overnight.” What should you expect when you go outside in the morning?
Answer: It will be colder.
400 — Question:
A cloud becomes full of water droplets, and water begins falling to the ground. Which part of the water cycle is happening?
Precipitation
It is sunny today in a city that usually gets a lot of rain. Does one sunny day mean the city's climate has changed?
Answer: No. One day describes weather; climate is based on patterns over a long time.
You have a toy car and want it to travel farther. You push it harder. What do you predict will happen?
Answer: The car will travel farther because a stronger push gives it more force.
Your class wants to have recess outside. The temperature is very hot, the Sun is strong, and there is a heat warning. What should your teacher probably do?
Keep students inside or move recess somewhere safe and cool.
A weather report says the temperature will rise from 50°F in the morning to 80°F in the afternoon. How should someone prepare for the afternoon?
Answer: They should expect warmer weather and dress appropriately, drink water, and stay cool.
Imagine there has been no rain for a long time. Then a big storm brings lots of rain. Explain how that rain could eventually become part of the water cycle again.
Answer: The water can collect in rivers, lakes, or puddles, then the Sun can heat it so it evaporates and starts the cycle again.
Your friend says, “It snowed today, so this place must have a cold climate.” Is your friend necessarily correct? Explain.
No. One snowy day is weather. You would need to look at the area's weather patterns over a long time to understand its climate.
You leave a glass of cold water on a warm table. Later, you notice tiny drops of water on the outside of the glass. Did the water leak through the glass? Explain where the drops came from.
No. Water vapor from the air cooled when it touched the cold glass and condensed into water droplets.