Weather and climate
Describe Grande Prairie's climate
Hot summers, cold winters and four seasons.
First Nations people would see signs in nature as forecasts. What does it mean when animals began their migration?
Give two ways we take care of animals in the winter.
Outdoor shelters to protect from wind, blankets, access to water that won't freeze.
People who live in Mexico might wear shorts and tshirts during March and April. Why?
They have a hotter climate and are dressing for the heat.
Give an example of climate impacting animal activity.
Migration, hibernation... etc.
What climate zone is most of Canada in?
The temperate zone.
What is a weather forecast?
An upcoming prediction of what the weather will be like.
Why do farmers plant canola, wheat and barley?
They can handle Grande Prairie summers with dry weather and little rain.
Gardeners in Grande Prairie will wait to plant their gardens until.
They long-term forecast warms up and shows little chance of frost.
Farmers help protect their animals from the weather by making sure they have shade. What is this structure called?
A livestock shelter / lean-to
What is the coldest climate zone?
The polar zone.
Bees going inside their hives is a sign of what?
What is soil erosion?
Give two example of how life in Canada may be different that Australia.
Sports (hockey, skiing, snowboarding) and clothing.
How does a rabbit prepare itself for summer?
It's white fur slowly turns brown to help with camouflage.
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Climate is long-term averages, weather is what is currently happening.
Watching animals can be an indicator of weather. What does it mean if frogs start croaking loudly?
What is crop rotation?
People who live in the Maritimes (PEI, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick) may dress differently than people in Grande Prairie. What differences could we see?
Bringing umbrellas, raincoats and boots with them.
How does a horse prepare itself for the winter?
It grows a thicker coat to help stay warm.
What differences would you expect in climate between Edmonton, Alberta and Vancouver, B.C.?
What is a FNMI method of predicting weather?
Ice freeze / thaw. Animal migration. The thickness of animal houses.
What is rotational grazing?
The process of moving animals into different fields so that once a field has been eaten, the grass can regrow.
Give 3 examples of how our climate affects life in Grande Prairie.
Winter clothes and summer clothes.
Having snow shovels and lawn rakes.
Winter sports and summer sports.
Cars that can be plugged in. A/C for summer.
Purchasing summer tires and winter tires for a car.
What is the purpose of hibernation?